Filling our Hearts with Music

“Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” – Eph. 5:19

Music has a unique power in our spiritual walk. It directs the heart and emotions in a way that mere words cannot, directing our thoughts toward God. Its repetition helps cement truth in our minds. Music has always played a pivotal role in the life of God’s people. From the time of King David, who composed many of the psalms, to the early church, the people of God have used songs as a way to worship, pray, and reflect on God’s goodness. Martin Luther, the great Reformer, understood this well. He once said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music.” Luther saw music as a way to fortify faith and uplift others.

In Ephesians 5:19, Paul urges Christians to use music not only as a form of worship but also as a means to encourage one another and themselves. His call for the church to use psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs is a reminder of the variety of the types of music within the body of Christ. Whether through the recitation of ancient psalms, the singing of theologically rich hymns, or the offering of spontaneous spiritual songs, music takes many forms. When we sing psalms together, we remind each other of the timeless truths of scripture. When we sing hymns, we declare the greatness of God and His works. When we sing spiritual songs, we share our personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness and grace.

Consider how such favorite hymns like “It Is Well with My Soul” or “Amazing Grace” written by another believer in ages past, has comforted, encouraged and fortified a multitude of believers through times of hardship. These songs and their lyrics enables believers to speak to one another across the ages and oceans. They remind us of God’s sovereignty, grace, and love. When we share such songs with others, we offer them a lifeline, pointing them back to the One who is their strength and refuge.

Music has a powerful influence on our inner thoughts and attitudes. When we sing or meditate on spiritual songs, we are not just reciting words; we are speaking truths to our hearts. In Colossians 3:16, Paul writes, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” Here, Paul makes a connection between singing and the indwelling of God’s Word. Music embeds truth into our hearts and minds, serving as a form of meditation.

Consider the way David encouraged himself in the Lord. When he faced personal crises, David often turned to song as a means of self-talk. In Psalm 42:5, he asks himself, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.” This is David’s heart encouraging itself with spiritual truth, a practice akin to singing spiritual songs inwardly.

Paul also emphasizes the inward aspect of singing: “making melody to the Lord with your heart.” Melodies in our heart are akin to us humming as we go about our day. or quietly singing to ourselves. This is a personal, inward aspect of music—a form of self-talk that strengthens us spiritually. The Greek word for “making melody” here is psallo, which carries the sense of plucking strings, evoking imagery of a heart attuned to God’s grace, continuously creating a harmony of praise. All worship begins in the heart and is heartfelt. This reminds us that it is not a matter of our ability to sing; many of us who can’t sing well have the most beautiful melodies in our hearts and God does hear us sing. Music is not just a public expression; it is a private act of devotion .

The songs we carry in our hearts are an effective way to keep our minds fixed on God throughout the day. As we sing to ourselves, music becomes a powerful tool for spiritual warfare. The songs we sing in our hearts serve as a defense against despair, fear, and discouragement, helping us to cling to God’s promises. It is a form of inner meditation and self-talk, helping us to strengthen ourselves in the Lord. In times of trial or temptation, the songs we sing in our hearts remind us of God’s truths and His faithfulness, lifting our spirits and encouraging us to remain steadfast. It lifts our souls above the struggles of life, focusing us on the promises and goodness of God. It can change our attitude, shift our perspective, and offer hope even in difficult times. Our hearts and minds become filled and surrounded by the word of God and his truth like a fortress protecting our heart.

Ultimately, the power of songs, whether sung aloud or inwardly, stems from their ability to realign our hearts with God’s truths. They remind us of His goodness, His sovereignty, and His love. In a world that often seeks to steal our joy and pull our attention away from Christ, music becomes a spiritual discipline that keeps us anchored in Him. Whether we are lifting our voices together in a congregation or singing quietly in our hearts, we are engaging in a powerful form of worship that not only glorifies God but also encourages others and strengthens our own faith.

Ephesians 5:19 reminds us that music is a powerful tool in the life of a believer. Whether through singing aloud with fellow believers or making melody in our hearts, music becomes a means of grace, a way for us to embed God’s Word deeply into our souls, carrying us through trials, lifting us up in praise, and directing our hearts back to the truth of who God is. So, let us sing, not just with our voices, but with our hearts, continually offering praise to the One who is worthy.