Soaking in the Truth: The Healing Power of Music
The Ecstasy of St. Cecilia, after Raphael by Lefèvre, Achille Désiré - Finnish National Gallery, Finland - CC0.
“The Lord your God is in your midst,
a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.”
-Zephaniah 3:17, emphasis added
“Music is the divine way to tell beautiful,
poetic things to the heart.”
-Pablo Casals
Although I am not an expert, I am confident in stating that most people have experienced the power of music in one way or another. If you are out and about, engaging in the modern world, it’s almost impossible to go an entire day without exposure to music (even if you don’t choose to turn it on yourself): It’s on in the background in stores and offices, and in most TV shows and news clips.
I have always been drawn to music. Other people’s music, that is! I dabbled in a few instruments over the years, but at least for the time being, I am happy to accept my role as an appreciator, and not a producer, when it comes to the sweet art of music.
For me, music has always had the power to break through the strong walls and defenses I constructed around my heart at an early age. I will admit that initially I used music more as an escape from the pain in my own life, or else as some sort of strange reliving of my own wounds. For instance, I remember finding solace in the song ‘Away From the Sun’ by Three Doors Down while struggling with depression around Christmas of my 7th or 8th grade year. I would listen to that song on repeat and feel a sweet sense of relief:
“Cause now again I've found myself
So far down, away from the sun
That shines into the darkest place
I'm so far down, away from the sun again
Away from the sun again.”
Interestingly, once I played that song briefly while my middle son, who was 5 at the time, was in the room. After only a few lines, he started crying and told me to turn it off because it made him feel too sad. If nothing else, this proves the power of music to evoke a certain emotion or experience, at any age. For me, it also opened my eyes to how this song in particular led me to dwell on the darker, broken places in my heart...and to stay in those places, away from the Son.
(Please note, I am in no way bashing secular music or saying that everyone should only listen to Christian music. But whatever its content, music is powerful and needs to be seen as such. A cathartic release of emotion through a song, even a secular song, is beautiful. My caveat here is to be aware of where the music leads us: to look inward towards our wounds, or outwards towards the Healer?)
By the time I was in college, I became more and more aware of my own need for healing, especially from the wounds caused by my parents’ divorce. Simultaneously, I was also exposed to more and more Christian music. I began to participate in a Praise and Worship group on campus and slowly the playlist on my MP3 player became filled with songs proclaiming the Truth about God and His Goodness.
To counter my ‘sad’ song from earlier, ‘You’re Not Alone’ by Meredith Andrews is one of the first Christian songs I had on repeat for an incredibly long time (and I still found it healing as I relistened in the process of writing this post). I offer you a few lines to show the difference in focus:
“You cry yourself to sleep
Cause the hurt is real, and the pain cuts deep
All hope seems lost
With heartache your closest friend
And everyone else long gone…
You've had to face the music on your own
But there is a sweeter song, that calls you home!!”
Music became a way for me not only to relive and dwell on my brokenness, but a place of healing where the melody of God’s Word filled the emptiness of my heart. My soul was like a dry, parched land, and music became the rain that soaked me to my core. Music became an oasis and a refuge. Even to this day, in my moments of deepest darkness and despair, when nothing else seems to be able to bring me peace, if I turn to music, the Truth soaks me through and soothes my wounds. When I cannot see the Truth on my own, I allow God to sing His Truth over me, again and again.
Here are a few of my ‘go-to’ songs when I need to have my mind soaked in Truth:
‘Promises’ by Maverick City Music: This one is a great reminder of how our God is always faithful to His promises.
‘No Longer Slaves’ performed by Zach Williams: I love this version of the song for two reasons. First, I love Zach Williams’s voice. Second, it was performed live to a group of inmates which I feel adds to the profundity of the message.
‘You Don’t Miss A Thing’ by Amanda Cook: For when I need to remember that God sees ME in particular and MY pain/wounds.
‘Rescue’ by Lauren Daigle: Great for when I feel exposed and vulnerable on the battlefield of life.
‘Reckless Love’ by Cory Asbury: I first heard this song a week or so before our second son was born. I listened to it on repeat before and during labor so I wouldn’t forget how loved I was during all the craziness of labor/delivery.
‘Abba’ by Jonathan and Melissa Helser: Epic, healing song and a truth bomb for when I need it most!
Editor’s note: We have a selection of music that ACODs have found to be healing available on our website.
Prayer to Saint Cecilia to intercede for Musicians:
Dear Saint Cecilia, one thing we know for certain about you is that you became a heroic martyr in fidelity to your divine Bridegroom. We do not know that you were a musician but we are told that you heard Angels sing. Inspire musicians to gladden the hearts of people by filling the air with God’s gift of music and reminding them of the divine Musician who created all beauty.
Amen
(The above prayer was found on the EWTN website here.)
About the Author:
Stephanie is a wife and mother of 3 boys. She and her family live in PA. Her husband works for their local parish and she homeschools their boys. According to her eight year old, she enjoys reading, napping and watching The Chosen.
Reflection Questions for Small Groups or Individuals:
How does music impact you, broadly speaking?
What music speaks most to into the wounds of your experience as a child of divorce or separation?
Was there a certain song that you found solace in during your youth?
What are some of your ‘go-to’ songs when you need to have your mind soaked in Truth?