Express Yourself with Music

 Actor Johnny Depp puts it this way, “Music touches us emotionally, where words alone can’t.”  Whether the emotion expressed is extreme joy, grief, or something in between, somehow music provides an outlet for feelings that is deeper and freer than any other.

Psalm-Expression

The Book of Psalms is full of songs of both praise and lament. This songbook of Israel — and the Church today — contains verses such as “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs” (Psalm 100:2), and “I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” (Psalm 146:2).  Equally prevalent are expressions of grief and sorrow, such as “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1), and “O Lord, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God.  Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior” (Psalm 38:21-22).

Could it be that we are to “sing and make music” in part because of the powerful ways music allows us to express the deepest parts of ourselves both to God and to others?

Express yourself through music lessons. Register here.

Tracy Hanrahan is Coordinator of Special Programs for anima: the forum for the worship and the arts at Samford University, contributor to the Growing in Grace Children’s Music Series from Celebrating Grace, and is a long-time friend of the Dawson Music Academy.