This article is one of several concerning the importance of Mental Health and Christianity, researched and written by Mrs. Andrina Jordan (MA, LPC, NCC, CPCS). For more information about her practice, visit 712 Q.A.C.C. Counseling For The Soul, LLC.
Music has been around for ages. There are many benefits of music. Music truly is a form of medicine that can
be used for healing of the mind, body and spirit. In Ephesians 5:19, Paul instructs us to make music unto the
Lord.
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to
the Lord;” – Ephesians 5: 19 KJV
This is one way we show gratitude to God, through praise and worship by way of song.
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” – John 4:24 KJV
Music is a universal language. It allows people of all nations and tongues to connect and communicate with
one another. Music enables individuals who struggle to appropriately express their thoughts, a way to
communicate their emotions more effectively. This in turn may boost one’s self-esteem. Music moves beyond
language barriers, culture, social-economic status, etc. Music connects people in such a way that it moves the
spirit; causing those who are listening to experience similar emotions. This helps individuals not feel
isolated. Events such as concerts, a symphony of praise and worship at church connect people through music.
The scriptures below provide examples of how music brings people together.
“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” – Acts
16:25 KJV
“Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.” –
Hebrews 2:12 KJV
“And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the
women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with
instruments of musick.” – 1 Samuel 18: 6
Music therapy has been shown to improve mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression,
schizophrenia, autism and trauma. It can also help to reduce stress and activate neural pathways to improve
memory and cognition which helps to protect the brain from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Music can impact a
person’s mood by creating a sense of joy, excitement, calmness, relaxation, peace, sadness, or increased
confidence. It can also trigger memories that evoke emotions experienced at the time of an event. All in all,
music is typically used to improve mood, just as we see in the Bible with praise and worship. It is intended to
be a joyful experience.
“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” – Psalms 95:1 KJV
As mentioned earlier, some music may trigger unwanted emotions. Music choice and genre are key
components to improved health. Therefore, be mindful of the music you choose to listen to. Consider the
lyrics and connections specific songs may have for you. Choose music that will improve your overall health and
not impede your health gains.
“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.” -Ecclesiastes 7:5 KJV
Classical music for example can assist with better sleep. Proper sleep is important for optimal mental and
physical health. Classical music also serves to improve memory which aids in preventing dementia and
Alzheimer’s. Listed below are a few classical songs that are said to improve memory.
- Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven
- Four Seasons by Vivaldi
- Eine kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart
Lyric Analysis is also used in music therapy. It allows individuals to connect to the message that is being
shared in the song. This in turn allows the individual to begin processing their own experiences. One might
find words of encouragement and hope in the lyrics or possible solutions to their struggles.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” – Colossians 3:16 KJV
“What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the
spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” – 1 Corinthians 14:15
Songwriting, just like journaling, allows an individual to release emotions and express themselves freely. This
is a good way for one to reflect on their thoughts (actually seeing them on paper).
“And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee
among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.” – Romans 15:9 KJV
Playing an instrument can also be healing. Individuals have an opportunity to connect different sounds with
different feelings and emotions. Playing an instrument also appears to reduce the likelihood of experiencing
dementia and Alzheimer’s. When working with children I often have them create musical boxes to help them
identify and express their emotions or improve their mood.
“Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.” – Psalms 33:3 KJV
“Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.” – Psalms
149:3 KJV
“And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood,
even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.” – 2 Samuel 6:5 KJV
The drum is an ancient instrument that can be dated as far back as 5500 B.C. It was often used in religious
ceremonies and cultural gatherings. Drumming has the ability to place individuals in a trance-like state.
Drumming was often used for communication, meditation, and mindfulness purposes to have one be present
in the moment. Meditation and mindfulness are currently used today to assist with some mental health
ailments. This goes to show that God has properly equipped us to appropriately attend to the well-being of our
health from the very beginning.
“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and
there is no new thing under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 1:9 KJV
Drumming has been found to be very beneficial psychologically and physically. Drumming activates large areas
of the brain and stimulates it in very complex ways. Its’ rhythmic nature encourages concentration, timekeeping, and more. It offers a structure for individuals with ADHD. Giving them a creative outlet to release energy which in turn reduces hyperactivity. It also provides an opportunity for one to self-regulate because it reinforces one’s abilities to plan, anticipate and respond. As you can see music was very important in biblical times. It is just as important today. Music can be used in many different ways to improve mental health. Here are some ways you can use music to enhance your overall health.
● Create a happy playlist and sing along
● Learn to play an instrument
● Write a song
● Listen to songs with encouraging messages
● Attend a musical
Enjoy your musical journey and all its marvelous benefits!