For this edition of Pastors’ Corner, we welcome Eric Bennett from Triumphant Quartet. Eric was formerly a Pastor of a Baptist Church, so we felt he was well qualified for this Pastors’ Corner series on “The Importance of Music in the Life of a Christian.†We trust you will enjoy his blog.
TD Jakes once said that anyone can praise the Lord, but true worship can only come from someone in whom God has done a supernatural work. (1 Peter 2:19,20: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an Holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the wonderful acts of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.)
I agree with Brother Jakes. True heart-felt worship can only come from someone
who has experienced the hand of God working in their life; someone that God has delivered; someone that God has set free.
Joshua 4:19-24, tells the story of when the children of Israel set up 12 stones as a reminder of what God had done in their life. Most all lyrics in Southern Gospel music reflect on what God has done, either on the cross or something He’s done in our personal life. Whether it is Chris Allman’s, “I Could Never Praise Him Enough,†or Bill Gaither’s, “Jesus We Just Want To Thank You,†which if I were you, I would do myself a favor and look this song up on Youtube and watch the Cathedrals video of this. It’ll make you want to shout “Glory” as George would say! All these songs remind us of the goodness of God.
For me personally, I can sit and listen to songs like these and be reminded of all the things God has done for me. I am so very thankful for salvation, my wife, family, my GRANDKIDS, house, job, health, friends, and on and on. We all have so much to thank God for.
I think music either helps you focus on God or takes your focus off God. The importance of listening to Christian music is that it brings our attention to the One who gave us the breath that we breathe, another good reason to thank Him!
If we could get our mind off who is singing and get it on WHO is being sung about, we could experience true worship. Some of my best times with The Lord are not at church, concerts, or singings. Some of my best times with the Lord are driving the bus at 3am in morning or in my truck, listening to Christian music. God shows up and here we go!
Music will never take the place of Bible Study and Prayer time with God. But, it can truly keep our minds on Him. (Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.)
The world has so much noise today. Why wouldn’t a follower of Christ want to keep focused on Him all day long?! What better way to do that than listening to music that speaks of Him?
If you don’t already, I would suggest that you start listening to Christian music either on radio or by CD. Listen to the lyrics. Be reminded of all the things God has done in your life. Be reminded of “I once was lost but now I’m found, I once was blind but now I see.†If you do, I think you will experience true worship, you will keep focused on Him and I think your day will be so much brighter!
Written by Eric Bennett of Triumphant Quartet
First published by SGN Scoops digital magazine in December 2014. For current issues, visit SGN Scoops mainpage.
