Remembering the music, feeling his presence, subduing my stress
By Dean Collins
Music can change a mood. If you’re getting ready for a tough workout or run, you might find some energetic music to boost your mood for the challenge ahead. If you are stressed and agonizing over a decision or situation, your music selection might be more subdued. There are many remarkable stories of the soothing power of music. One of them is in 1 Samuel 16. An evil spirit was tormenting King Saul, and his advisors suggested having someone play music on a lyre or harp in order to soothe him. That someone was young David. When he played his harp, Saul calmed down.
Awaking to stress
On a recent morning, I woke to encounter a situation where many people had a variety of differing opinions. Some were quite intense in their comments, and I was struggling with how to manage the moment. As a leader, I needed to remain calm and use the wisdom and kindness of the Lord in my approach to the situation. However, I will admit to not feeling particularly loving and kind. I was more agitated by the tone of some in the conversation, and I found myself wanting to speak abruptly instead of kindly.
I had just begun my morning routine of reading Scripture, praying, and writing. But I couldn’t ignore the texts and emails pinging on my phone. I allowed the interruption and regretted it. I shut down my devices and returned to my reading, which included both the text in 1 Samuel about King Saul’s agitation and then the psalm for the day, Psalm 103.
Presence of God
When I read 1 Samuel I still felt my own agitation. But almost instantly when I read the familiar text of Psalm 103, my mind and soul began to calm down. As I read the opening lines I could hear the music in my head, echoing the many times I have sung this text. The very presence of God washed over me as I continued to allow the living and breathing Word of God to do its work on my heart and spirit.
David did what we must choose to do as well: Bless the Lord and forget not his benefits.
He forgives all our iniquity
He heals diseases
He redeems us from the pit
He crowns us with his steadfast love and mercy
He satisfies us with good so that our youth is renewed as eagles
Continuing his work
God did this in David’s time and he continues his work in our time. We can depend on God in all our difficult, stressful moments. The psalmist reminds us why we can trust in God and his Spirit to heal and redirect our emotions and thoughts as we consider his Word.
Here are the reasons:
The Lord is merciful and gracious, even when we are not
He is slow to anger and abounds in steadfast love, even when we sometimes allow anger to rule our minds
He removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west
He knows us and he shows his compassion for us, even when we are not feeling compassionate
He knows our lifespan here is short, even though we often forget
I allowed a situation to stir me to negativity and alter my mood. Yet in turning to Psalm 103 my mood and attitude were corrected. The grace and mercy of God washed over me. And I will need to renew this experience again before I engage in any and every situation where I encounter those with whom I may disagree.
You may face difficult situations today or tomorrow. Before you react in anger, fear, retaliation, or arrogance, take a moment and read Psalm 103. You might just hear David’s harp playing in the background. I suspect you will manage the situation differently as a result.
Your time with God’s Word
1 Samuel 16:15-18; Psalm 103:1-22 ESV
Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
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