Releasing Heaven’s Sound

In 1 Samuel 16:14-23, we hear about the impact anointed music can have in bringing peace. In this particular story, King Saul is being tormented by an evil spirit, and David’s harp playing is able to bring peace. 

1 Samuel 16:23 (GW) Whenever God’s spirit came to Saul, David took the lyre and strummed a tune. Saul got relief from his terror and felt better, and the evil spirit left him.

As one who has dealt with depression (see my post “Radio Silence”), I know firsthand how oppressive and debilitating that struggle can be. I don’t know how similar or different this is from what Saul went through, but as I read verse 23, that word “relief” resonated deeply for me. Recently at Papa’s prompting, I began playing Native American style flutes (Come Alive and Radical Transformation (A Flute Story)). I play every day, and I know that sense of relief firsthand as I release heaven’s song here on earth. I may not be a proficient musician, but it’s not about that because in the end it comes down to a heart attitude.

Anointing comes when you surrender to Papa and move at His prompting. It’s about functioning in His flow and being living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). In other words, though some of us may be more skilled musicians than others, all of us are able. We’re called to make a joyful noise (Psalm 98:4, 100:1). I fully believe God loves an unskilled but surrendered offering (picture a loving parent admiring the scribbles of a toddler). In Ephesians 5:19, we’re even encouraged to sing psalms to one another – and that isn’t qualified by saying “those who are talented,” it’s for everyone!

So when the Bible talks about prophesying with an instrument in 1 Chronicles 25:1 (which could include your voice), it’s talking about any of us releasing God’s sound. Repeatedly in scripture we see the power this anointed worship has. And while we know that the primary purpose of worship is lavishing love on our well-deserving King, we also see benefits for us as we pour out our gift in His presence (or soak as someone else does, like the example in 1 Samuel 16 with Saul). To name a few examples, anointed worship can:

• Sooth us and bring peace – 1 Samuel 16:14-23
• Bring God’s manifest glory – 2 Chronicles 5:13, 1 Kings 8:10-11
• Give us comfort – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
• Free us from bondage – Acts 16:25-26
• Manifest joy – Psalm 43:4

And these are just a few examples. So be intentional to find an outlet for releasing anointed praise and worship. Yield yourself to Him. Be a willing vessel. Make music and sing psalms – make a joyful noise – and allow heaven’s sound to flow through you and minister to God, those around you, and to yourself.

1 Chronicles 25:1 (VOICE) …These men were expected to serve in the temple by prophesying with lyres, harps, and cymbals…

2 Chronicles 5:13 (VOICE) In unison, the musicians and singers with trumpets and cymbals and instruments praised and glorified the Eternal. Levitical Choir: He is good! His loyal love will continue forever! At the sound of the music, the Eternal’s temple was filled with a cloud, the glory of God

Acts 16:25-26 (GW) Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the foundations of the jail. All the doors immediately flew open, and all the prisoners’ chains came loose.