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Scripture
Sing to the lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp.
Psalms 147:7
Reflection
I don’t know about you, but I love love love music. I love all types of music. I love classic rock, 80s and 90s pop, R&B, funk, soul, classical, EDM, country, jazz, blues, Neo soul, gospel, gospel rap, alternative, and Hip Hop (but not today’s mush mouth rap).
If you didn’t know, I teach college business courses. Yes indeed. I’m a college professor. Before I get my classes started, I take on the role of DJ for my students, and I crank out some music to get their spirits lifted, their minds engaged, and their bodies energized. It doesn’t matter if my class is online or on campus; we’re about to get pumped up for two to three minutes at the beginning of my class. It’s amazing how many of my students could have entered the classroom tired and drained, but within two minutes, they are pumped up and feeling great. I usually select classic rock, 80s pop, EDM, or instrumental Hip Hop (because I can’t risk the lyrical content in most hip-hop songs). We can like a funky beat, but we have to always be mindful of our environment and the content of the songs. What we let in will remain and grow or fester.
I make sure to end our class the same way, with music playing—and my students absolutely love it. I enjoy doing the same thing in my master classes, webinars, and trainings that I facilitate in my role as a consultant through Foreman & Associates, LLC.
Music is unifying; it crosses all barriers and can reach all people. It can alter our mindsets and depending on the music you play, that can be a positive uplifting thing or a negative. I mean, I don’t feel like hugging folks and skipping down the street when I’m listening to music that was designed to trigger my anger, outrage, or hostility. To keep it real with you, 99 percent of the time, gangsta rap makes me want to slap someone, not hug them. I want to DDT someone with extreme force. If you’ve watched wrestling, then you know what I’m talking about.
Songs about the cheating spouse or the person willing to destroy a marriage by pursuing the married man or woman—those types of songs don’t bring me peace; they make me roll my eyes in disgust. I start thinking about DDT moves. And ratchet music, well, it’s just ratchet, which puts me in judgmental mode. So I’m mindful of the music that I play and the intention behind my music selection. What am I trying to do by listening to the music? Am I interested in singing or rapping the lyrics to the song? Do I just love the beat? Is my spirit uplifted, or does it feel dragged to the depths of darkness? What energy am I letting in? Does the booty popping, I’ll-take-your-man song leave me open and exposed to temptation and the traps of the enemy? I’ve got to think about it before I agree to be entertained by it.
Don’t make the mistake of playing gloomy or rage music just because you’re down in the dumps. You’re supposed to play the opposite. You’re supposed to be declaring your belief and faith in God, not succumbing to your circumstances. When life gets you down, holler out and praise the Lord that you are here to experience one more moment. Crank up the music and sing songs that honor Him and make you want to rejoice the life He’s given you. If you can, clap your hands. If you can, get up and dance. Let your body sway to the sweet harmonies inspired by our Heavenly Father.
I feel uplifted, like I’m flying. That’s the kind of high that we should be aiming for, not that artificial nonsense. Feel the love. Feel the vibe. Feel the life. Feel the light. Feel the Spirit running through you with glee, and smile!
Prayer
Father, I praise Your Holy Name. I praise You for the blessings You grant me that I know that I don’t deserve. I praise You for the lessons You teach me and the people You bring into my life. I praise You for each moment that I’m given to learn and experience new things, meet new people. I praise You for the gifts of song, music, lyrics, melody, and instruments. Let me never take these gifts and blessings for granted.
I love You Father. I sing and dance in Your Name, giving You all of the glory. No matter what comes my way I know that You are always here for me. No matter who steps in my path trying to block my progress, You always deal with them as only You can. I worship only You, Father. I trust You, Father. You are Jehovah Jireh. You are El Shaddai. You are the great I Am. In Your Name I pray and praise. Amen.
And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.
Lovingly, Your Sister in Christ,
Natasha
Copyright 2011-2023. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com
Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com
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