When the Music Plays

When music moves your feet AND your soul...

I love music! Growing up, I can remember melodies always filling the house. There was never a quiet moment. My dad played guitar during Sunday morning service, and I fiddled with the piano here and there. At one point we even formed a small church band called "Isaiah", where we played at a church picnic, a wedding, and a youth event...I wasn't that good. When ever I think back to my church experiences as a child, worship played a big role. I can even remember songs from Vacation Bible School, back when I was in third grade! There is something so powerful about lyrics and the music to which they are set to. Some, powerful enough to change you from the inside out.

My love for music ranges from contemporary christian to some 80's rock. With each CD I listen to, I find that my emotions can range as well. Newsboys and Toby Mac lead me into a state of worship. It is not rare to see me driving down the street with my hand up in the air, praising God. Sure, I get funny looks from other drivers, but I don't care. On the other hand, Enya and Josh Groban put me in a calm, relaxed state of mind...more suitable for "mommy spa time". Then there is Bon Jovi, who just makes me want to run to the local tattoo shop! I have refrained thus far. Often time, I can wake up feeling moody, with no energy. A little Hillsong United is enough to liven my spirit for the day...well, that and a large mug of coffee!

The video link below is a great song from the new Newsboys CD (christian genre), called "Born Again". It has become a permanent fixture in my van. Not only does it have a fantastic beat, the lyrics leave me evaluating my life. Each time I play it, I am reminded that I am indeed 'born again'. The old me is washed away, and only through God, do I have new life. The opening line of the song is:

"I found myself looking into the mirror and it wasn't who I wanted to be. I was living like the way that I wanted, but my eyes reminded me I'm not free."

There is something so powerful in that line. We can tend to go along in our daily lives, accepting the lifestyle we have chosen for our self. To one level or another, each life has a degree of sin, be it greed, temptation, selfishness, doubt, anger...the list is endless. From our characteristics to our daily actions, we can tend to step off the path God has laid down for us. Some more than others! I often hear the boastful excuse, "I want to be free to do what I want to do." Yet in reality, that person is actually in complete bondage. Sin owns them. One good look in the mirror would show that only life lived through God, and God alone, would give the true freedom they long to have. What stares back at you when you look in the mirror? If it isn't a life honoring to God, then perhaps it is time to have new life breathed into you...time to be born again!

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." John 3:3 (NIV)