Praise and Worship Music Help Our Mental Health

Reflecting on the role music plays in mental health, I remembered the passage in scripture that talks about David playing music for Saul to calm down. In 1 Samuel 16, King Saul went through a tough time because an evil spirit would torment and terrify him. His advisers advised him to look for a skillful man to play the harp. David was brought to him, and whenever King Saul was troubled, David would play the harp, which would calm him down.

Now, more teaching in this passage of scripture deals with the role praise and worship has when it comes to demonic forces, but that is a topic for another day.

Music is such a powerful tool, and it affects our mood and can relax us and make us feel happy, sad, or energetic. Classical music, for example, has been found to make one feel relaxed, while rock music can lead to discomfort.

As a Christian, I know the power of Praise and Worship music. Whether listening or singing along, I know that everything will be alright. That God is listening to me as I sing to him. I am not consumed by the difficulties I may be facing because I am in the presence of God, where there is fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11 states, “You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

There are some songs I listen to and sing most of the time. Examples are

• God will make a way by Don Moen reminds me that God has a way out when I cannot see a way out.
• In Jesus Name by Israel Houghton serves as a constant reminder that God is fighting my battles.
• I Testify by Ada Ehi reminds me that I will always have a testimony of God’s goodness in my life.
• God Can by Alvin Slaughter reminds me that God can do what man cannot.

I could write my favorite songs all day.

There are instances in the bible where people praise and worshipped God even though they were in trouble.

Paul and Silas in prison

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. ~ (Acts 16:25-26)

When enemies invaded Judah during King Jehoshaphat’s reign

When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the Lord and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His faithfulness is everlasting.” When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were struck down. For the sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, completely destroying them; and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they turned toward the multitude, and behold, they were corpses lying on the ground, and there was no survivor. (2 Chronicles 20:21-24)

There is joy and peace from listening to or singing praise and worship songs. Try it. You will love it.