A college student was troubled by sinful thoughts. Even though he regularly read his Bible and prayed, he continued to struggle, so he sought help from a Christian counselor.

“What kind of music do you listen to?” asked the counselor. The student said it was secular rock. The counselor then commented, “Think of your mind as a big sheet of paper. Each song you hear is a match burning the edges. You ask God to heal the burn, and He begins applying the salve of His Word. But you keep adding matches. Listen to Christian music and see what happens.” The student did, and the truth set to music began to heal his mind.

God combines music’s power with truth to draw His people closer to Himself. In Deuteronomy 32, Moses taught a new generation of Israelites a long song of 43 verses. It proclaimed God’s faithfulness, but it would also become a witness against them when they settled in the Promised Land and forsook Him. The song’s purpose was twofold: It would show the Israelites that God had a right to their love, and it would call them back to Himself when they had come to the end of their own strength (vv.36-39).

Never underestimate music’s power. It can either hinder the Spirit’s work or increase your love for Christ.

  — Dennis J. De Haan