I am fascinated with music. Not only has God ordered a systematic cohesiveness to sound, He has endued it with the ability to invoke emotion in such a way that transcends standard forms of communication. Throughout Scripture, we are encouraged to utilize this unique gift in worship of the Creator, for which purpose I believe it was specially designed (Psalm 33:1-3 – Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to Him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.). In our exhibitions of creativity, by which we are meant to honor Him, we have continued to discover new intricacies of application to this wonder, such that it continues to be upheld as an artistic institution across the millennia.
The distinction between tonal dissonance or plain sound and auditory harmony is simultaneously mathematically specific and moderately subjective. God has demonstrated order as an aspect of His character through His creation, and we find the marks of this in the musical systems; the basic octave-centric scale consists of exact ratios in waveforms, from which we can consistently define harmonic compatibility. Very few people will ever feel the need to make appeal to these standards, however, as we tend to detect harmony intuitively; clashing chords can be identified without thorough explanation, and melodic progression is commonly recognizable. This natural awareness of music is a wondrous thing, and I am frequently drawn to awe of God by consideration of it.
My interaction with music tends to be in a variety of contexts. Songs are a common form of musical expression, whereby an arrangement is accompanied by melodic vocal exercise, combining the communicative techniques of harmonic sound and spoken word. A vast majority of secular songs tend to be covertly self-centered outpourings of emotion, homages to worldly values, or even manipulative approaches to argument, with a lesser quantity devoted to mundane amusements; yet in spite of intention, many musicians still inadvertently pay credit to their Creator in the utilization of His gifts. Those more conscious of their indebtedness will apply themselves to works of praise and worship, in which its greater purpose is found; Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wondrous works! (Psalm 105:2)
In addition to this, I am also fond of instrumental arrangements, wherein the mixed communication of vocal compositions is traded for vaguer but potentially more impactful purity of music on its own. This form is often applied as accompaniment to alternative focus, such as background to an event or stage performance, or enjoyed passively alongside other primary engagements as work. Less commonly it is experienced for its own sake, presented as an exercise of the art it is. In all such cases, its emotional influence can be made productive by selecting mood according to intended effect.
For all the amazing attributes of music, its power can also be abused. Negatively toned arrangements can have devastating effect on emotionally unstable individuals, while overabundance of shallowly optimistic songs can be used to improperly assuage a remorseful conscience. As with all things God has given us, we must be sure to engage with them properly, respecting our common calling to do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31b), and to keep our focus on Heavenly things (Colossians 3:2). But provided we are committed to honoring God in our appreciation of His gifts, we may find in music a powerful reminder of His miraculous design.
Sing to the Lord! TTT