Psalm 33 is a song of praise because of the greatness and faithfulness of God. The Psalmist wrote, "Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy (Psalm 33:1-3)." Music is a gift from God. God has given human beings the ability to sing and play instruments for His glory and honor. However, sinful hearts turn the music to self-gratification. Music becomes self-focused instead of God's focus. Music is meant to express our adoration, love, and praise for God, but when we listen to music today, it is about violence, self-indulgence, and no meaning at all. But despite some of the ungodly music, God still uses music to express our emotions toward each other and toward Him. One of the reasons we need to praise God with our songs is that God is faithful and righteous. Psalmist wrote, "For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love (Psalm 33:4-5)."
If we want to lift our spirits up or encourage ourselves, we need to listen to praise and worship music, especially the songs that remind us of the faithfulness and righteousness of God. When we are reminded that God is right, true, faithful, just, and loving, our doubts and fears turn into confidence in God. The music that we listen to affects our emotions and the way we think. Music can affect our decisions. Violent music that promotes illegal activities has a huge influence on the crime and violence that are happening in our society today. In the early 1990s, many rap songs were written against the police; as a result, crime towards police increased. If we want to change the way we think and want to have positive and godly thoughts, we need to start listening to Christian music that builds us up, not tears us down.
Let us listen to Christian music today to remind us of the faithfulness and righteousness of God. God uses Christian music to encourage and lift our spirits up. God has blessed us with many Christian stations to listen to. If we do not like to listen to Christian music for some reason, let us pray to God that God will give us the desire to listen to Christian music. The reason is that God can use Christian music to encourage and draw us closer to Him.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). Why is it important to remind myself of the faithfulness and righteousness of God? Why is it important for me to listen to Christian music? What type of music do I listen to?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you that you are faithful and righteous. Please fill my mind with music that glorifies your name, especially when I am fearful and doubtful. Please give me the desire to listen to Christian music so that I can always be reminded of your love, truth, grace, and mercy towards me. Then, I will respond by worshiping your holy name. In your name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.