AUGUST 2018
MUSIC IS AN OUTPOURING OF THE SOUL
Posted by: District Elder Roy Sokolowsky

The English composer, Frederick Delius (1862-1934) once stated, “Music is an outburst of the soul.” I would like to use a synonym for outburst – outpouring. Music is an outpouring of the soul.

We can read already in the Old Testament of the people of Israel singing songs. Psalmists composed songs that were played by musicians and sung in the temple.
They consisted of songs of praise, joy, celebration, thanksgiving, lamentation, repentance, mourning, and remembrance. These are all emotions and feelings that come out of the soul. 

Today music is still an integral part of the divine services, and all of those emotions and feelings are still experienced in congregations around the world. Whether music is sung by a choir or by the congregation, or interpreted by musicians, the purpose is to touch the soul of everyone present – musician, singer, and listener.

Music is also a powerful tool that can comfort, inspire, and strengthen. An example of this is when King Saul was in great distress and David played his harp for him. We can read “…Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.” (1 Samuel 16: 23).

We can also read in Revelation 14: 3-4 of a new song that will be sung by the redeemed of the Lord. Surely, this is a song of praise and thanksgiving to God in recognition of their salvation. In order to sing a new song, one needs to learn it and practice it. It is our wish that to be part of this special choir. Let us already begin to learn this song and practice it today because this will be the song that we will sing forever in the kingdom of God. 

Psalm 150: 1-6 (NLT)
"Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!
Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp!
Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes!
Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD! Praise the LORD!”

 

 

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