1 Chronicles 6-9
“They were ministering with music before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, and they served in their office according to their order.” (1 Chronicles 6:32, NKJV)
After David brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, he appointed musicians in the house of the LORD. They ministered with music before God according to their order. We would expect this from a harpist and the sweet psalmist of Israel. Music is such an important part of worship. A song touches the spirit in a way that mere words cannot. We can be rushing to get to church, yelling at the kids in the car, and stressed out when we arrive. But then as we begin worshiping the LORD, we let go. Christ is enthroned within, and our hearts soften to receive God’s Word.
God is seeking such worshipers. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well:
“The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23–24, NKJV)
Our worship must be Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, and Spirit-empowered. While musicians are instructed to “play skillfully” (Psalm 33:3), true worship is not about a slick performance. It can be stripped down to a single voice and guitar—or even just one voice without any musical accompaniment. True worship arises from a purely devoted heart. It is the spontaneous and joyful response to God. We praise Him for who He is and for what He has done. And whether we have the voice of an angel or sing a half-tone flat, we have been chosen by God to declare His praises, and they are music to His ears.
Sometimes when I am driving in my truck, I break out in spontaneous worship. It could be a prayer of praise for God’s goodness. Or often I begin singing an old praise song from my early days as a Christian. I don’t care who sees me because I’m in love with Jesus!
So take time today to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4). Sing a hymn, psalm or spiritual song, and minister to Him through music. Stoke the fire of your love for Jesus. You may be having a bad day, but He will lift up your spirit and fill you with His joy!