MUSIC exerts a powerful influence on human beings. It can calm us down, move us and lift our spirits. In addition, with her we express both joys and sorrows. Music is common to almost all cultures -current and past- and is a language understood by both the mind and the heart. It is, without doubt, an authentic gift from God (Genesis 4:21).

It is probable that we have listened to music since we were born, because perhaps our mother lulled us with lullabies. In adolescence we tend to love romantic music, and as adults, many of us enjoy relaxing music while driving or when we are at home after a busy day.

The lyrics of a song can incorporate certain aspects of the culture or history of a country. The Israelites commemorated several special occasions with songs (Exodus 15: 1-21, Judges 5: 1-31). The prophet Moses wrote a song of historical content with sincere exhortations for his people (Deuteronomy 32: 1-43). It is very likely that this type of songs were useful for memory.

We can all make music

It may seem that we do not have musical abilities. Well, let's think for a moment about the voice. Thanks to the versatility of this instrument of the human being, almost everyone can make music to a certain degree, whether or not we have musical instruments. All you have to do is open your mouth and sing. And in doing so, remember that it is not a matter of winning a contest. If we practice, it is very possible that we improve.

Did you know that a tenth of the Bible is written in the form of songs? The most outstanding examples are the Psalms, The Song of Songs and Lamentations. It is understandable that most of the approximately three hundred references to singing are related to the worship of God. "Jehovah is my strength, and with my song I will praise him," wrote the Israelite king David, a talented musician and composer (Psalm 28: 7).

In fact, David organized 4,000 men who belonged to the tribe of Levi to be musicians and singers in Jerusalem; 288 of them were "trained in singing to the Lord, all experts" (1 Chronicles 23: 4, 5; 25: 7). Undoubtedly, these interpreters practiced continuously. Music was so important in the worship of God that the singers were exempted from other obligations in the temple to concentrate on their profession (1 Chronicles 9:33).

The night before the death of Jesus, he and his apostles sang praises to God, probably Psalms 113 to 118. At that time, such psalms called the "Psalms of Hallel" were sung during the celebration of Easter (Matthew 26: 26-30). The designation "Hallel Psalms" refers to the repeated use of the expression Ha · lelu-Yáh, "hallelujah" or "praise Jah!" In them. "Jah" is an abbreviated and poetic form of Jehovah, the name of the Most High God (Psalm 83:18).

The song also became part of the worship of Christians. The book The History of Music states: "Singing in public and private worship was commonplace for early Christians. For the Jewish converts it was a continuation of the customs of the synagogue. In addition to the Hebrew psalms the new faith tended to constantly produce new hymns. " At present, to us Christians also like to praise God through songs, both privately and in our Christian gatherings.

Since music allows us to express practically all emotions and has such a powerful influence on the heart, mind and body, we must treat this "perfect gift from above" with the utmost respect, and use it frequently and at the same time with wisdom.

POEM

Your mercy eclipses the moon of my mistakes

Your hand lifts me up and makes me walk over the waters

Your Spirit breaks me and leaves me speechless

Your feet are rinsed with my tears ...

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You open my problems and make me cross in the middle of them like the red sea

You make me walk on the waters of life like Peter

And if I sink because of my disbelief, you still rescue me with Your mighty hand

And if I fail you, Your question is do you love me? And do not condemn me

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You are my poem, my song in silence and my adoration

The beat of my heart pronounces Your name

I just want to be with You and live under Your shadow

You are my passion, my devotion and my reason for living