Can you imagine the world without music? Not just the music that your children like but that you cannot understand. I mean all music. Can you imagine what it would be like if there were no music? No bands, no orchestras, no symphonies, no drums, no guitars, no cymbals, no tiny triangles. No instrumental tunes, no background music, no vocal music. What if all music was taken from your world?

Can you imagine watching movies without music? Gone With the Wind without music. There would be no "Emperors March" in Star Wars. The Passion of the Christ with no soundtrack. There would be no "Daaa Da, Daaa Da" in Jaws. There would be no creepy screechy music in Psycho. Julie Andrews would be in the hills of Austria saying "The hills are alive with the sound of ... ?" Can you imagine Horse Whisperer without the soundtrack? Would Remember the Titans be the same without the music of the late 60’s and early 70’s?

When you watch television there would be no introductory music to alert you that it was the Evening News. M.A.S.H. would have nothing audible to identify the program. There would be no catchy jingles to get stuck in your head reminding you to buy a certain brand of toothpaste, deodorant or chewing gum. How would we know that it was time for "Sports Center" on ESPN?

The world of sports would be different without music. Highlight films without a musical background would lose much of their appeal. Pep bands would have no pep. Halftime at football games would consist of people in fancy uniforms marching around in shapes and letters. What would they do at the Super Bowl during halftime without music? (Ok, maybe there is one place where life might be better without some of the music!)

What would worship be without music? The Psalms would be just a book of poems. How would we express many of the emotions of our heart without music? "How Great Thou Art" would not be the same without the musical notes to stretch the vocal cords and tug at our heartstrings. "Spirit of the Living God Fall Fresh on Me" would merely fall flat without the melody.

Music is truly a gift from God. Music soothes our soul and touches our heart. Music can calm our spirits and evoke compassion. Music relaxes us and motivates us. It communicates in ways no other medium can communicate. Music can transport us from where we are to where we once were. Music can touch our soul and revive our spirit.

Consider the Psalmist's thoughts on music:

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. (Psalm 27:6)

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High. (Psalm 92:1)

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him. (Psalm 95:2)

My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.(Psalm 108:1)

Music can transport us from where we are to where we once were.
Paul agreed with the Psalmist:

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:19)

Here’s a suggestion. Turn on the music. Put on the headphones and take a walk. Find a quiet place with a nice view and listen to your favorite music. Turn off the news. Skip the talk shows. Listen to the music. Let it touch your soul. Enjoy the music.