READ: 1 Samuel 16 (Focus vs.14–23)
MEMORY VERSE
“David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul.” 1 Samuel 16:23
BACKGROUND
When five-year-old Bella was hospitalized for cancer in North Dakota, she received music therapy as part of her treatment.
Many people have experienced the powerful effect of music on mood without understanding exactly why, but researchers have recently documented a clinical benefit.
Music is now being prescribed for cancer patients like Bella, and those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and trauma.
King Saul reached for a musical prescription when he was feeling tormented. His attendants saw his lack of peace and suggested they find someone to play the lyre for him in the hope it would make him “feel better” (1 Samuel 16:16).
They sent for Jesse’s son David, and Saul was pleased with him and asked that he “remain in [his] service” (v. 22). David played for Saul in his moments of unrest, bringing him relief from his anguish.
We may only just be discovering scientifically what God has known all along about how music can affect us.
As the author and creator of both our bodies and music itself, He provided a prescription for our health that’s readily accessible to all, regardless of the era in which we live or how easy it is to visit a doctor.
Even when there’s no way to listen, we can sing to God in the midst of our joys and struggles, making music of our own (Psalm 59:16; Acts 16:25).
By: Kirsten Holmberg
INSIGHT
In the ancient Near East, it was common for court musicians to be hired for reasons such as entertainment or religious ceremonies. In the case of Saul in 1 Samuel 16, his attendants believed his mental torment would be eased by lyre music (v. 16).
Since David was a skilled lyre player as well as a warrior (v. 18), he became both a musician and armor-bearer (the carrier of shield and weapons) for King Saul (vv. 21–23).
David’s father, Jesse, sent gifts of food and wine with David (vv. 19–20), perhaps showing gratitude for the honor of having his son chosen to serve the king.
By: Monica La Rose
APPLICATION
How has God used music to soothe you? How can you bring music to someone as David did to Saul?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
Music is the primary vehicle through which God intended for us to worship Him. Let’s keep it “sacred” pr
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“…we can sing to God in the midst of our joys and struggles, making music of our own”
PRAYER
“Father, thank You for creating music and using it to soothe my heart and mind during times of struggle.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“I LOVE YOU LORD” Laura Toggs
I love You, Lord
And I lift my voice
To worship You
Oh, my soul, rejoice
Take joy my King
In what You hear
And let it be a sweet,
Sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
In Your ear
All I have is Yours
Take my life Jesus
Let my heart sing
How I love You, Lord
How I need You, Jesus
Who I am, who I have, Jesus
I love You (You are everything)
I love You (In my life, take who I am)
I love You (How I love You Lord)
I love You (How I need You, Jesus)
I love You (Hear my heart sing)
I love You (Oh my God)
I love You (I love You, Jesus)
I love You (I love You, Lord)
I love You (I love You, Lord)
Ohh (So I sing, so I sing)
I love You
I love You
I love You
You’re brighter than the sun
Risen from the shadows
Seated on the throne of majesty
Higher than the skies and all we see
You’re brighter than the sun…
I love You…
READNG THROUGH THE ENTIRE BIBLE IN 2023
Deuteronomy 14-16
Mark 12:28-44
