I am so grateful for what God is doing through the music and worship at Orchard Hill Church. I have the privilege of leading that ministry and I am blessed to be surrounded by those who are not only talented, but who love the Lord and have a heart for serving His people. Right now I am in the process of getting ready for our Music and Worship Ministries Commissioning Service. Every year at this time the church musicians gather together to dedicate and/or rededicate their gifts to God. We acknowledge the role that music plays in the church, and that to make music that moves the hearts of people, we need God’s help, His power, and His blessing. Music in worship is more than just singing or playing good songs. It is creating something that God can use to draw people to Himself. I find great joy in leading people in music that glorifies God. There’s nothing I love more than hearing people worshipping with a song of praise. Music is powerful.
We see this power in scripture. When Saul was tormented by the evil spirit, 1 Samuel says that Saul would ask David to play him music, and that when David played his harp Saul would become well and the evil spirit would depart from him.
I’ve seen that first hand especially when preparing music for funeral services over the years. Music brings comfort, can soothe an aching soul, and even bring joy in the midst of sorrow.
Music can get us ready to fight! When God’s armies were preparing for battle, the musicians would often lead the procession. God even used the majestic sound of horns to bring down the mighty walls of Jericho. So, if music could lead God’s armies to victory it must have the power to push away the enemy. Wow! Remember that the next time you sing “There is Power in the Blood”. Your song might just be the prelude that releases someone from years of bondage. That’s incredible!
Music tunes us into God’s voice. 2 Kings says that when the kings of Israel and Judah would ask Elisha the prophet to prophesy, Elisha would open his heart to the Lord by asking for a musician and it says that when the music played that the hand of the Lord came on him.
In Sunday service we almost always sing before we hear the word of the Lord. Music draws our attention to God. It’s like tuning the strings on a guitar. With each turn of the pegs the note falls into place and is aligned with the sounds of the other strings. When we sing and praise, the Holy Spirit opens the line of communication and tunes us into the voice of our creator.
Music is powerful. It is something God created for our pleasure and His glory. As we get ready to commission our musicians this evening, it is my prayer that God will go ahead of us. That He will move through our fingers, sing through our mouths, and breathe life into our songs so that all may hear the sweet sound of His voice. To Him be the glory!
Wendy Huizinga
Music Minister/Worship Arts Director
