The Power of Music.

I’m not much of a musician, but the power of music never ceases to amaze me. Despite having all sorts of different tastes, we're all moved by music. Music has the power to set the scene for a romantic dinner or raise the stakes in a dramatic movie. It has the ability to get us off our feet with something resembling dance moves (some are admittedly better at this than others). It can transport us to another time or place. Music even has the means to calm our anxious nerves.

Yesterday, I found myself thanking God for the gift of music as I witnessed its power to help a hospice patient of mine in the deepest, darkest throws of dementia find peace. As I approached him, I found this gentleman incredibly tense and rigid. He can't speak. He's lost the ability to communicate verbally, though he can respond in other ways - head nods and shakes; but he wasn’t even able to do that this time. His arms were stiff, his hands clenched, and the look on his face was anything but peaceful. His stare was fixed and his expression was that of terrible fear. He was clearly incredibly anxious. His nurse administered his usual medication but it didn't appear to be all that effective.

I've gotten to know this man over a number of months now and I knew he loved three things - Jesus, football and classic jazz music. With that knowledge, I pulled out my phone, hit play on a classic jazz playlist on Spotify while rubbing his shoulder and praying for him. By the second verse of "What a Wonderful World" this non-verbal, very rigid, highly anxious man started mouthing the words, relaxing his arms, and closing his eyes. The man literally fell asleep with his head rested on my shoulder as I sat next to him praying and playing his favorite music. I was told that was the first he slept in quite a while.

There's a reason we worship God through music. Music is a miraculous gift to humanity and, while the only instrument I can play with any skill at this point are the speakers of my phone, I'm so thankful for it. In fact, Paul so recognized the power of music he instructed the Ephesians to speak to each other in the form of song! He wrote, "[Speak] to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:19-20).

Whatever music you enjoy, I pray it encourages, relaxes, and lifts you up like it did this patient of mine. I pray you just sit and appreciate the raw power of music in your life. If you’re struggling right now, play some of your favorite tunes to lift your spirits. If you’re anxious or stressed, tune into whatever music calms your nerves. If you’re missing someone or longing for a time gone by, put that album on the record player and be transported. If you need to reconnect with your Creator, go to church on Sunday, and sing along as the choir or band proclaims the glory of the Lord through song.

Thank you, Lord, for music.