There’s something about music that helps us to remember. I can say the names of all of the presidents of the United States because I learned a song in elementary music class. You might know all the states in alphabetical order because of a song. Or, you may know the books of the Bible because you learned them set to music. There are songs we may learn as children that stick with us for years and years.
Music is a great tool for helping us to remember important facts, but it also helps us to remember feelings. There are songs that can take us back to a particular moment in our past. We can picture the space and people we were with when that song held such significance. Sometimes these might bring back pleasant and special moments, but maybe we even recall a painful moment associated with that song or tune. The power of music to helps us remember is strong.
I listen to a lot of Christian music and we have Christian music playing in our home and cars often. I have realized just how many more Bible verses I am familiar and know because of this music. I’m thankful that Christian music of all variations has been a part of my life for a long time. There are CDs I used to play over and over. I’ve been to several concerts and many more worship services. Music shares a message in an incredible way and it makes an impression. When my kids start singing the words to songs they hear from a Christian radio station or songs they’ve learned from church, it brings me lots of joy. I love that this music is impressed upon their hearts and minds. Many times, these songs are scripture verses and I know that through the power of music, they are beginning to hold the truth of the Bible in their hearts through song. Even if all the songs are not all Bible verses, many of these songs are instilling values of faith and trust in God.
Words to hymns like “Great is thy Faithfulness” or the “Old Rugged Cross” remind me of the stories of the Bible and key values of faith. I also celebrate newer songs that I hear often of the radio that tell us that God is a “Good, good Father” and that “His love never fails”. I am thankful for the gift of music that helps me to remember these truths often. When I hear these words put to music and recall these truths, it can often change my perspective and my attitude for whatever I may be facing that day.
Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministry
