Let The Music Play

In Isaiah 42, we see a picture of the greatness and glory of God, and we are called to respond in worship:
8 "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. 9 See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you."10 Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.

We are called to sing a new song to the Lord - why?   Well, a new song implies that something active is taking place, we are called to respond to a fresh touch of the Lord.   As we recognize the presence of the Lord, we can respond in praise and adoration, calling attention to how God is working in and around our lives.   The song in our hearts, the joy of the Lord, can serve to aid us as we seek to abide in the Lord daily.

Psalm 95 lays it out well for us regarding the importance of music - and worship - to our lives:
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 3 For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

In Garland, Texas the other night, there was an unfortunate incident that can help us to reflect on the importance of music in our lives and the song in our hearts.   Hudson Middle School's football team had the ball, set to hopefully drive down the field.   In the stands, the band began to play.

And, according to WFAA television, a game official reportedly told Hudson's band director that the middle school football team would keep being penalized if the band kept playing. He said they were just too loud.  The band left before halftime.

After the band left, the official was ordered to leave, too.

Garland ISD spokesman Chris Moore says that the district told the officiating organization to never assign that referee to any athletic events within the district.

Garland ISD does not have a policy regarding bands playing at football games. Moore said it appears the official was enforcing an NCAA policy that never should have never been... and never will be... enforced in the Garland ISD.

On Wednesday, the district's athletic director went to Hudson Middle School and apologized to the band.

That's correct, the official tried to stop the music!   As a former band guy and definitely a music guy, I see the importance of music relative to an athletic event.   A rousing tune can get the fans fired up, which can in turn motivate the football team.   I saw this firsthand when I was in high school - the football team was mediocre, at best, but hopefully, the band playing in the bleachers or at halftime could get the crowd going.

I think in the Christian life, music plays a motivational role for us.   And, here at Faith Radio, we devote a sizable part of the broadcast day to music that lifts up the Lord.   Now, you may not be singer or want to be caught singing along to the radio or humming a tune at work - but a song can capture a moment, it can elicit an emotion, it can remind us of a truth that perhaps a sermon never would - and it sets an atmosphere in which we can be aware of the presence of God.   And, the use of music illustrates a principle - God wants us to be connected to Him throughout the day - our worship in song, or just a joyful attitude of heart, can be a tool that can be used to enhance of walk with Him.  So, don't stop the music - let the music play in your heart and mind, allow the presence of Christ to permeate your soul.