A few months ago, I wrote a blog about music and its effects. After posting the blog, life gave me an opportunity to discuss it in real-time. My son drove me to a restaurant to pick up a to-go order. While driving, he expressed being exhausted. He said he only slept two or three hours the night before. I asked him to turn around or pull over but he refused. A song by rapper Easy E came on the radio. My son cranked up the volume and began dancing in the driver’s seat. He was energized by the lyrics.
He said this is the type of music he likes unlike that depressing gospel music I listen to. I explained that I like music that connects to my spirit. Every now and again I listen to certain secular music. My son said the gospel music I listen to sounds like people are crying and begging God. According to my son, some of the gospel music does not have anything to do with God and I agreed. He said he would be more open to listen to gospel music if it was more upbeat. My Interpretation: He would listen to gospel music if it sounded more like secular music.
On the drive home, my son wanted to know why God gave Meg the Stallion, Cardi B., Beyonce and other artists the gift of song if He does not want them to use it. According to Demetrius, God knew their music would be vulgar and sexual. My explanation: God is the giver of gifts and talents. However, God gives gifts that will edify, inspire and encourage. Do you think God enjoys His creations promoting the very thing He hates……SIN? Sin separates us from Him. A HOLY GOD does not promote anything that does not line up with HIS will for us. In other words, all music isn’t good and it definitely isn’t God.
I still believe music alters our minds, emotions and hormones. Music can hype you up or it can be calming and soothing. In the book of Samuel, King Saul had an evil spirit and David was summoned to play the harp. Whenever the evil spirit from God bothered Saul, David would play the harp. Saul would relax and feel better, and the evil spirit would go away (1 Samuel 16:14-23). Whether we are willing to admit it or not, music can affect us negatively or positively. Think about your response to your favorite songs. Does it make you hyper, depressed, sad, happy, or anxious? Does the music validate your feelings, thoughts, actions and behaviors?