The Power Of Music

I saved my money.
I could not wait to go to the store.
I went to buy what I had been waiting to purchase.
I went to buy a record album.

I remember coming home and carefully opening the plastic that covered the album.
I carefully pulled the album out of the paper sleeve.
I held the album ever so carefully around the edges so I would not scratch the record.
I tried to keep my fingerprints off the vinyl as well.

I put the record on the turntable.
The turntable began to rotate.
The needle arm lifted from its resting position and gently landed on the first song.
I went back to the sofa and laid down with the album cover across my chest.

Back then, albums did not include the words to the songs.
Soon, however, liner notes became available.
Song lyrics and the names of the band members were listed.
That first time I listened to a new album from beginning to end was a thrill I remember so well.

Music soothed me.
Music relaxed me.
Music provided a respite from the day.
Laying on the sofa, listening to a new album, was my favorite thing to do.

Music is always playing in our house.
When my children were growing up, TV watching was very limited each day.
Listening to music was ongoing.
The mood in a room could change in an instant with music in the background.

My younger son is married and has a wonderful job.
He is an amazing drummer.
He plays guitar expertly as well.
He and three other friends have a worship band named, The Evidence.

Each of the band members are married.
The band members work at other jobs each day.
However, God has graciously allowed them to have this worship band.
They play concerts and have recorded two CD’s.

It is so wonderful to play their music as I drive in the car.
It is so wonderful to play their music in the house.
My ear goes right to my son’s drumming.
I have listened to him drum for many years.

I sat in my favorite chair the first time I ever listened to their CD.
It was reminiscent of buying an album and laying on the sofa as I listened to the music.
I allowed the music to wash over me.
I played the CD from beginning to end as the music became a part of me.

When my precious granddaughter was born, my daughter played music all the time.
If truth be told, the music was played all through her pregnancy as well.
Many songs played in utero were recognized by my granddaughter after she was born.
I am certain of it.

Music relaxed her.
Music soothed her.
Music provided a respite for both mother and daughter.
Music was played in the background.

The other day, my son-in-love sent a video to the family.
He was sending video evidence of something he and my daughter had already told us.
I clicked on the video and was amazed.
It brought me back to my sofa all those years ago.

Sometimes, in the beginning of a car ride, my granddaughter may cry a bit.
In this video, music is playing in the background.
An old Beach Boys song is playing.
My granddaughter was crying.

My son-in-love and daughter changed the song.
The Evidence’s song, With Your Loving Arms, began to play.
Just like that, my granddaughter stopped crying.
She made a contented sound and began to suck her fingers as the music soothed her.

I watched and could not believe what I saw.
I admit that I watched the video quite a few times.
I heard my son’s drumming; I heard the lead singer’s voice.
My little granddaughter was content.

Music relaxed her.
Music soothed her.
Music provided a respite as she was in her car seat.
I understood fully.

Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.” So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.” One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul. David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers.  Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.” Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. (1 Samuel 16:14-23)

David was brought into Saul’s service.
David, played the harp for King Saul.
The music would soothe Saul.
Relief would come over Saul and he would feel better.

Just like my precious granddaughter whenever, With Your Loving Arms, is heard.
Just like those afternoons on the sofa as I listened to a new album.
Just like Saul, when David’s music calmed him.
Music touches our heart; it is the bridge between the heart and the mind.

My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. (Psalm 57:7-11)

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Click here to listen to With Your Loving Arms, by The Evidence.

 

 

2 responses to “The Power Of Music”

1. Oh that is precious!

   Reply

   • It is, Sherie!
     WITH YOUR LOVING ARMS soothes her every time!
     What a blessing!
     Gina

     Reply