https://odb.org/2026/06/03/the-power-of-music-2
1 Samuel 16:14–23 (NIV): 14 Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him. 15 Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 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.”
17 So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.” 18 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.” 19 Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” 20 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. 21 David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”
23 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.
The Bible presents music as one of God’s immense gifts, a way His healing and comfort enter the human heart. In the tragic story of King Saul, we hear how (due to his disobedience) he was oppressed by an “evil spirit” (1 Samuel 16:14). And what did Saul’s attendants believe the king needed to provide relief? Music. So they found young David with his harp: “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” (v. 23). Music offers more than mere entertainment. It can bring joy, renew hope, and comfort weary souls. It’s truly one of God’s powerful gifts. (Winn Collier, Our Daily Bread 3rd June 2026)
Music has always been an integral part of my life. When I was growing up, my late mum loved to sing and we in turn as her children sang along with her. So we used to have song books with the latest songs. In fact, we had a song book of oldies and an encyclopedia of contemporary songs. Both had guitar chords written on them although at that point in time, I didn’t know how to play the guitar. My mum also loved to write out songs in her own personalised song books and sing from them. In fact, I still have these cursive handwritten song books in my old home. They must be more than 50 years old now!
In the home, my dad had a collection of vinyls of mostly country music – the likes of Jim Reeves and Hank Williams. He also liked a musical group called the Shadows. When the Saturday Night fever swept town in 1977, we had the Bee Gees blasting through our car stereo in all our long drives!
It was only in the mid-80s when God entered our lives that our song books at home took the form of church song books. We had a pile of them lying about as our home was also a house fellowship. It was a small outreach from a larger church in the capital Kota Bharu.
Later I learned how to play the guitar and started playing music at my home church. That was around 1985. It was amazing that when I first joined this church, the congregation sang in a cappella with only tambourines as accompanying instruments. It goes to show that the heart and voice are more important than musical instruments when it comes to worship. I always believed that we may worship God with any song, so long as the song is uplifting and praises Him. As much as music and skillful musicians are good to have, our hearts and voices are more essential. As a worship leader, nothing is more encouraging than to hear the congregation singing louder than the band!
Music does soothe the soul as the experience of King Saul and David in the Bible shows. 1 Samuel 16 forms a good illustration. As believers, worshipping God in spirit and truth with music will bring us peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. In this fast moving chaotic world, it is good to be able to lie prostrate before the Lord in worship and song.
We don’t have to be good singers to worship God in song. My late mum who loved to sing and worship God was a little tone-deaf and was bad at following rhythm but she sang and worshipped anyways! I’m a self-taught guitarist and can’t sight read but have served God in music for more than 40 years now! As Winn Collier wrote today, music is one of the powerful gifts of God – use it for His glory and to bring comfort to our souls!
P/S
Google AI – Music is a universal language that fundamentally alters brain chemistry. It triggers the release of dopamine to boost mood, oxytocin for social bonding, and endorphins for natural pain relief. It transcends words, evokes profound memories, and provides proven therapeutic benefits for mental and physical well-being.
Ronnie's Thoughts 