Music: An Expression of Love and a Source of Release.

 

Music, often called the great equalizer, holds a profound place in my life. While my professional path led me to the film industry—a passion nearly as deep as music—I firmly believe God has blessed me with musical talent. I'm proficient in three instruments and can confidently hold my own vocally, making music an integral part of my identity.

My personal taste gravitates toward heavy metal and hard rock, yet my appreciation spans nearly every genre, from country to classical. If it sounds good, I'll likely enjoy it. This diverse appreciation is often on display in my listening habits; as I am writing this one moment I am enjoying State of Mine's hard rock rendition of "In the Air Tonight," and the next, Darius Rucker's "Alright" fills the air. I love what various music brings and how it makes me feel.

I deeply value the artists whose contributions allow me to genuinely express myself and find joy in their creations. Regardless of personal opinions, Ozzy Osbourne's impact on the music industry, particularly heavy metal, is undeniable and spectacular. His influence is a key reason so many celebrate his legacy, and his passing has been a profound loss. Few musicians have achieved such widespread impact, as he essentially pioneered the modern heavy metal genre—the one I cherish most.

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Music and Faith: A Harmonious Blend

Beyond secular music, my other profound love is for music that speaks to our walk with Christ, emphasizing His immense love. When this message blends with rock and metal, it truly resonates, inspiring me to "rock on for Christ!" Bands like Skillet, Seventh Day Slumber, Building 429, Red, Disciple, Fireflight, Decyfer Down, Pillar, and This Fires Embrace exemplify how rock and metal can effectively spread the word of God. Music is a divine gift, offering countless ways and genres through which we can offer praise. I frequently use my God-given ability to play and sing for this very purpose. As a bassist, I'm particularly drawn to songs with strong bass-driven riffs and lines, which likely explains my affinity for much of the music I enjoy.

When I'm playing music, I truly feel God's presence and His embrace. My struggles and pains often recede as I experience the warmth of His love. The worship I feel through music is unparalleled—it's an amazing, even euphoric and positively addictive, experience.

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Biblical Roots of Music

Outside of Jesus, my favorite biblical figure is King David, a man deeply connected to music. He utilized his God-given abilities to soothe King Saul's tormenting evil spirits, express his own joys and sorrows, and offer profound praise to God.

Music's pervasive and significant role throughout the Bible appears in various contexts and serves diverse purposes. Here are several examples:

• Worship and Praise:

  • Psalms: This book is a collection of songs and poems for worship, often calling for musical accompaniment (e.g., Psalm 150).

  • Temple Worship: Music was central to the Tabernacle and Temple worship, with King David organizing many skilled musicians (1 Chronicles 25:7).

  • Celebrations of God's Deliverance: Examples include Moses and Miriam at the Red Sea (Exodus 15) and the return of the Ark (1 Chronicles 15-16).

  • New Testament Worship: Paul encourages believers to sing "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

• Victory and Celebration:

  • David's Victories: Women celebrated David's triumphs with song and dance (1 Samuel 18:6-7).

  • Jephthah's Daughter: She greeted her father's return from battle with timbrels and dancing (Judges 11:34).

• Mourning and Lament:

  • David's Lament: David composed "The Song of the Bow" for Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1).

  • Funeral Processions: Flute players were present at funerals for mourning (Matthew 9:23).

• Prophetic and Spiritual Influence:

  • Soothing Saul: David's lyre playing brought relief to King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23).

  • Prophetic Inspiration: Elisha used music to bring on the hand of the Lord (2 Kings 3:15).

• Everyday Life and Social Events:

  • Work Songs: Implied during the grape harvest (Isaiah 16:10).

  • Feasts and Celebrations: Music was a common part of social gatherings (Isaiah 5:12).

  • The Prodigal Son: The celebration of his return included music and dancing (Luke 15:25).

  • Courting and Love: Expressed in the lyrical Song of Songs.

• Signaling and Proclamation:

  • Trumpets: Used for war, assembly, and announcing events (Joshua 6; Numbers 10:1-10; Revelation).

• Teaching and Admonition:

  • New Testament Directives: Paul encourages using songs for teaching and admonishing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

These biblical accounts underscore that music was far more than mere entertainment; it was deeply woven into the spiritual, social, and cultural fabric of the people, serving functions from personal expression and corporate worship to historical record and divine communication.

As long as there are hearts to beat and stories to tell, music will undoubtedly continue to be a vital thread in the tapestry of our lives—a unique and powerful language given to us for expression, solace, and the perpetual glorification of our Creator.

For me, the melody of faith, interwoven with the rhythms of life, continues to resonate deepest. It's a reminder that in every note and every lyric, there's an opportunity to encounter the divine and find true release.

Ultimately, music, in its myriad forms, remains a profound testament to our human experience – a conduit for joy, sorrow, praise, and connection. Whether a raw expression of personal faith or a shared celebration, its power to move us, transform us, and draw us closer to the divine is a timeless gift.

What about you? How has music served as an expression of love or a source of release in your life? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.