God's Glory Church

“David took the harp and played with his hand. And it was easy for Saul, and he felt well.” — 1 Samuel 16:23

Five-year-old Bella was diagnosed with cancer. The girl was admitted to a hospital in the state of North Carolina and, among other things, prescribed music therapy. Many people know how much music affects mood, although they don’t understand how it works. Recent clinical studies have confirmed the positive effects of music on recovery. Now it is prescribed for oncological diseases, as well as for Parkinson’s disease, dementia and various injuries.

King Saul also received a similar “prescription” when he began to experience mental torment. His advisers suggested looking for a person who could play the harp, hoping that music would make the king “good” (1 Sam. 16:16). In the end, David was found, who greatly pleased Saul and remained in his service (v. 22). When Saul was attacked by an evil spirit, David began to play the harp, and the king felt better.

We have only begun to discover on a scientific level what God has always known. The creator of both our bodies and music provided various means of caring for our health, available to all, regardless of the era in which we live or the level of medical care. And even if we do not have the opportunity to listen to music, we ourselves can sing to God in the midst of joy or sorrow, receiving comfort and healing (Ps. 59:17; Acts 16:25).

How has God used music to bring you relief? Can you help someone with music as David helped Saul?

Heavenly Father, thank you for music and for using it to calm my heart and mind in difficult times.

Author: Kirsten Holmberg