5 Ways Music Can Change Your Attitude

Every culture in the world has music that stirs up the souls of the people. It could be drums, flutes, or songs that can draw people into one mind and purpose. For those who follow after Jesus Christ, music serves the dual purpose of glorifying God and being edified in the faith. Music can be misused and quickly descend into more of a fleshly or carnal expression. However as we keep our focus on Christ and what He’s done, we find our music drawing us closer to Him. Learn from the 5 ways music can change your attitude:

#1) Music can remind you of who God is.

“God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I am has sent me to you’” (Exodus 3:14).

When we are troubled by life’s circumstances, we may temporarily forget who our God is—that there is nothing impossible for Him or that there is nothing too hard for Him. The right song can help us remember that He is in control, that He is the Alpha and Omega, and that He is greater than any problem we face. We choose the songs that stir up courage and faith in our mighty God.

#2) Music can soothe an anxious heart or mind.

“Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him” (1 Samuel 16:23).

Many of us will never experience the tormenting of an evil spirit that Saul had to suffer through. Yet we may struggle with seeds of doubt, fear, or anxiety planted in our minds by the devil. We can be encouraged by music that reiterates the word of God bringing courage and hope to our hearts and minds. We choose songs that bring us peace so that we can move forward without worry or stumbling through our walk in fear.

#3) Music can stir up the joy of the Lord

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music” (Psalm 98:4).

Sometimes we can get so busy with taking care of our families or work that we forget the joy of the journey. The right music can stir up the joy of the Lord in our spirits. Instead of the drudgery of a regular work morning, we can let music get our blood flowing as we praise our God in song and dance. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit we have access to joy at any time of the day or night. We choose to listen to songs that ignite the joy of God in our spirits.

#4) Music can resurrect your dreams and visions from the Lord.

“‘But now bring me a harpist.’ While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came on Elisha and he said, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will fill this valley with pools of water’” (2 Kings 3:15-17).

When we initially put our faith in God, many of us immediately sensed His calling in a certain direction. Yet over time we could begin to drift away from that vision or dream that He placed in our hearts. However it could be a certain song or melody that draws us back to our purpose in the faith. We are challenged to move forward to accomplish the plan as the music brings it all back in one moment. We choose music that compels towards finishing the work that God planted in our hearts.

#5) Music can transform your mind from negative towards the positive.

“Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them” (Psalm 126:6).

As we are faced with many problems and options before us, it’s many times easier to focus on the negative. We find ourselves hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. While it’s good to have plans, it’s not good to stay in the negative mindset. Listening to the right music as we study God’s word, gives us peace and security even in the midst of chaos. We choose music that keeps our hearts and minds in the right place of God’s goodness.

The Transforming Power of Music

God gives His people choice of music—we can choose the music of the world or the music that glorifies the Lord. Whatever choice we make, it will influence us to either grow closer to God or closer to the world with its carnal temptations. The choice is ours to make and our attitude is the fruit of our choice.

Article by Crystal McDowell

Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.  

Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at https://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.