Music To My Ears

Previously I talked about the enemy manipulating our senses in order to get us off track. The flip side is that God uses our senses to keep us close and to minister to our entire being. The mind, body, soul and spirit are intimately connected with what we see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. The blog post, titled, "Keeping An Eye Out discussed how the sight is used.

Today I want to discuss how our sense of hearing affects our walk with Him.

There are sounds in music that decidedly generate strong responses in everyone. It is said that music is the universal communicator; something everyone understands regardless of color, language, or heritage. Preferences will vary, but the effect remains.

Most of us listen to, or choose appropriate sounds for the occasion. Since the high-pitched sound of the violin has been proven to sooth, we often hear this instrument (rather than drums or cymbals) playing music in an art museum, or at a funeral. Harps are currently used in hospitals and for hospice patients. A marching band incites pride in country and sport teams, and draws an elevated excitement in parades.

There is a science behind what music is played in grocery stores and clothing stores. That "science" is calculated to draw us in and motivate us to buy. Whether we are aware of it or not, we are continually being influenced by the sounds around us.

Doesn't it stand to reason then, that the devil also uses music to his advantage. There are sounds that agitate; sounds that arouse; sounds that incite rebellion. There are hypnotic sounds, that when repeated louder and louder, are capable of causing riots, violence and raucous behavior.

I find that these kinds of sounds draw us away from a peaceful loving God. The sounds of the city, with traffic and horns blowing, cursing and obscenities, keep us from hearing the music of the wind. They keep us from hearing the orchestra of the birds and waterfall. They keep us from hearing the power of the mighty waves as they crash the rocks and gently caress the shore.

One force of sound is designed to keep us from hearing the voice of God; the other force invites us into His presence.

So come into His presence: turn down the volume in your life and go for a walk. Allow yourself the necessarily privilege to listen to the heart of God speaking to you through the music of nature.

copyright 8/2/2014