In 2021, the U.S.’s recorded music industry earned $15b in revenue. The U.S. also has 82.1m of the world’s 523 million paid subscribers to music streaming services. The total population in the U.S. is 331.9m so about 1 in 4 people in the U.S. pay to stream music. On average people spend 26.9 hours a week streaming music. To say the least music is powerful.
David and the captains of the army are setting up the service of musical worship. “So the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the Lord, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight.” I Chronicles 25:7
Let’s notice what is said about the musicians, “…who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbal… who prophesied according to the order of the king… who prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the Lord.” I Chronicles 25:1-3 partial
It’s said of the musicians they “prophesy” with their gifts. Musical worship is important because it speaks of His kingdom and goodness. Music inspires, encourages, brings feelings, and sets moods with lyrics and melodies. Today, musicians have major influences over the hearts and minds of people. We see activism, encouraging of behaviors, and dark lyrics throughout the music industry. I’m not slamming the music industry by no means but we should all recognize the influence music has over us.
What do you take in with your ears? What do you listen to on a daily basis? Do you recognize the power of music? Music holds power over our hearts and minds. God instituted worship to lead His people in adoration and worship. Pray, seek the Lord, see what He would have you to put in your ears. The condition of our hearts has a lot to do with what we decide to listen too. The choice is ours.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.