The power of music
Do you ever wake up with a song in your head? Or maybe you’re going about your day when suddenly, you realize you’re singing along to something? Just me?
I spend a lot of time in my car—like, a lot! Traveling to and from work. Just over a year ago, I made a decision: I would only listen to Christian music. Why? Because there is so much nonsense in secular music. The Bible tells us that there is power in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21), and when we sing along to songs, we are making declarations over ourselves. So why not make them positive?
Since making that choice, my mornings have changed. Instead of meaningless lyrics, I wake up worshiping. It’s almost like what Psalm 98:1 says:
“Sing a new song to the LORD; He has done wonderful things! By His own power and holy strength, He has won the victory.”
Or how about this truth? Joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).
I feel so much better when I catch myself singing something like “Jesus is the only way, Jesus is the only way.” There are days when I feel like I wake up with a specific song because God is trying to remind me of something—His promises, His faithfulness, His love.
Music is a powerful force. It shapes atmospheres, stirs emotions, and even influences the way we think and feel. Without realizing it, we often declare things over our lives simply by the songs we listen to and sing along with. This realization led me to make an intentional shift in the music I consume—one that has had a profound impact on my mindset, emotions, and spiritual walk.
Becoming More Sensitive to the Holy Spirit
I’m not here to debate which Christian bands are truly biblical and which ones are not. I strongly believe that as you grow with the Holy Spirit, as you become more obedient and listen to that still, small voice (or gut feeling), He will tell you when to turn something off. God is a gentleman. As Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” If you don’t open the door, He won’t force His way in. But if you drown Him out long enough, you might struggle to hear Him again. Get in tune and be obedient. The more you do, the easier it becomes to discern His voice.
Music is a Tool the Enemy Uses
Just as worship brings us closer to God, music can also be used against us. Have you ever considered how the enemy might use it as a weapon? I believe that music is one of the biggest tools Satan uses against us. Ezekiel 28:13 suggests that Satan had instruments built into his being, meaning he was a musician. Think about it—how many times have you studied for a test and struggled to remember anything, yet after hearing a song two or three times, you already know the words? Music has power. If Satan was a musician, why wouldn’t he use the music industry against us?
We need to be mindful of what we allow into our minds and spirits. Don’t sing along to lyrics that speak negativity over you. Instead, fill your heart and mind with declarations of life and truth.
A Shift in Perspective
There wasn’t a single defining moment when I decided to switch exclusively to Christian music. It just started with a thought: What if I listened to more praise and worship? The idea was simple—by constantly singing words that glorify God, I would be declaring His truth over my life. Before I knew it, worship music was all I played in my car. Occasionally, if someone else was with me, I’d put on neutral songs, but never anything that contradicted my faith.
The change wasn’t dramatic in the sense that I suddenly became immune to struggles or bad days. I’m still human—I still feel sadness, frustration, and anger. But one of the most noticeable differences is how I handle those emotions. For example, I used to get really upset in traffic. Road rage was a real thing. Now? I just don’t care as much. If someone cuts me off, I let them go. It’s not worth my peace. I truly believe that constantly surrounding myself with worship has reshaped my reactions.
Worship as a Spiritual Weapon
The Bible speaks powerfully about the words we speak. Several verses remind us of the power of our tongues. Proverbs 12:18 tells us that “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” When we sing worship, we are actively choosing life, declaring truth, and filling our hearts and minds with God’s promises.
One of the most powerful biblical examples of worship as a spiritual weapon is found in Joshua 6—the fall of Jericho. God instructed the Israelites to march around the city in silence for six days, and on the seventh day, they blew trumpets and shouted. The walls came crashing down—not through a physical battle, but through the power of praise and obedience. I believe that the same principle applies spiritually. When we praise God through our hardships, we are waging war in the spiritual realm, even before we see the breakthrough in the natural.
The Atmosphere Shifts
Have you ever walked into a room and felt a shift in the atmosphere? Music has a way of doing that. I don’t know exactly how it works or when God decides to move, but I do know that when we worship, something changes. There is mornings when I wake up with a song in my head. I take that as a reminder that God is with me. When I get into my car, I play that song out loud, singing along, and it completely shifts my outlook for the day.
Being Intentional About What We Listen To
We often underestimate how much music influences us. If a song leaves you feeling down, anxious, or angry, that’s a sign. I use YouTube Music, which allows me to read through the lyrics as a song plays. If anything contradicts the Word of God, I simply switch it off. It’s really that simple.
The good news is that gospel music has evolved so much. No matter your taste—whether it’s rap, pop, rock, or contemporary—there is Christian music in that style. The closer we draw to God, the more we naturally desire to worship Him. It’s not about feeling restricted; it’s about filling our hearts and minds with things that bring life, not destruction.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Choices
Discernment grows as we stay in tune with God. Pay attention to how a song makes you feel. If a certain track makes you feel spiritually heavy, skip it. The Holy Spirit guides us in ways we sometimes don’t even realize. And if you ever struggle with giving up certain songs you enjoy but feel convicted about, pray about it. Read your Bible. The more you immerse yourself in Scripture, the more your desires align with God’s heart.
Declare and Decree!
I’m not here to tell you that all secular music is bad. I’m simply saying—be mindful. Listen carefully before you just sing along. When you repeat lyrics, you are making agreements and coming into alignment with the words being sung.
Music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a declaration. If we keep singing lyrics that degrade us, belittle us, or promote sin, those words can take root in our hearts. But if we fill our mouths with truth, we are sowing seeds of life. Start small. Find one worship song that speaks to you and listen to it daily. See how quickly you learn the lyrics and how naturally it becomes a part of you.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few powerful songs that I like:
- Mighty Name of Jesus – The Belonging Co (A song that feels like a prayer, covering healing and protection.)
- Only Jesus – Casting Crowns (A reminder that this world is temporary and Jesus is our true focus.)
- Multiplied – Needtobreathe (A song about the vastness of God’s love.)
- Whatever It Takes – Stephen Stanley (Surrendering all to God.)
- Walk with Jesus – Consumed by Fire (Choosing to follow God’s way despite what others think.)
- Still Waters – Leanna Crawford (A beautiful rendition of Psalm 23, perfect for moments of fear and anxiety.)
Worship is more than just music—it’s a way of life, a weapon in the spirit, and a means of drawing closer to God. So, choose wisely. Choose life. Choose worship. The songs we sing shape our hearts—let them be ones that glorify God and declare His truth over our lives.
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