Songs Beyond the Sound

Hi everyone, long time no see! It’s been busy with school, work, finals, and life in general, but it was put on my heart to write another blog post. Today, I wanted to talk about music, and what happens beyond just the lyrics and beats. I’ve always loved music and literally play music and sing everyday, but as a college girl navigating the chaos of assignments, exams, and the beautiful mess of self-discovery, music has taken on a new meaning for me—one that extends beyond the realm of melodies and into the spiritual spaces of life.

As any college student would know, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of our daily routine—the classes, the deadlines, the social events. But what if, like your favorite song, life’s true magic is in the pauses, the breaths, and the quiet moments that connect everything together?

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10 (NASB)

For me, this idea resonates deeply with my relationship with God. In a world filled with noise and distractions, finding God often feels like searching for a specific note in one of those chaotic beats like a rock or trap song. However, just like in a musical masterpiece, the divine presence reveals itself in the spaces where I pause, reflect, and listen with my hearts.

Lately, I’ve been practicing out meditation before I begin my day. I also struggle with social anxiety, so this soothes my mind, and also connects me to God. I do this in silence, but through the quiet, I am able to hear the sound of the morning birds chirping, wind rustling, rain beating against my window, and that’s music to me.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14 (NASB)

Eyes closed, I try to focus on each breath, finding refuge in the present. A sense of calm washed over me, and in that stillness, a connection to God emerged. The anxieties that often accompany my social interactions loosen their grip. Throughout the day after those 10-15 minutes of tranquility, that peace lingered, transforming my anxiety into a gentle, navigable symphony.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)

This year was a pivotal year in my faith. In the beginning of the year, I hadn’t really had an emotional connection with God falling to my knees, crying (unless I was crying about something in my life, not because of my connection with God), and that didn’t sit right in my spirit. So one evening when I was alone in my dorm, I sat in solitude on my bathroom floor, yearning to connect emotionally with God. I played my nighttime worship playlist, and I just simply began singing, clapping, praying what came to mind. And as the music enveloped me, emotions weirdly began to well up. I was struggling to express my feelings because this had never happened, but I stopped trying to explain why or stop them and I surrendered to the melody. Tears streamed down my face, and sobs emerged as I continued to praise Him and the Holy Spirit brought out prayer points for a whole hour.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.

Psalm 139:23-24 (NASB)

In that vulnerable moment, the music became a vessel for my unspoken desire. It was as if the notes carried the depths of my soul, allowing me to connect with God in a way words couldn’t convey. My emotional release created a profound connection that transcended the limitations of my reserved heart.

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Romans 8:26 (NASB)

I decided to join my campus ministry’s worship team for one: because I love to sing and wanted to display that instead of being fearful, but also because there was a day around the time I joined in April when I retreated to the coziness of my living room, longing for spiritual connection. When I’m not emerged in The Word, I can find myself in moments where I overstimulate myself and take in so many instances of hurt and fear and then I retreat to being alone for long periods of time to overcompensate. And in moments of stress and burden, music gives me peace.

I chose one of my playlists to listen to as I laid in bed, and as I sat in contemplation, a profound sense of gratitude and awe washed over me. It felt as though the music entered inside of me to create a divine symphony. Not only that, but I got the perspective randomly that I should join the worship team, one that I tried to brush past because I has passing thoughts about it but nothing deep, but it wouldn’t go away. I knew the Holy Spirit was trying to communicate with me to be willing to share my talents and love for music with that step. In that moment, surrounded by the harmonies of both hymns and the Holy Spirit, I sensed a tangible connection to God—a reminder that sometimes, the simplest melodies can be connections to the sacred.

speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:19 (NASB)

I even play worship music to write these blog posts, when I’m journaling about my thoughts and feelings, doing my quiet times. This is because music has the power to raise my spirits, heal my wounds, express the inexpressible. I’m sure when you listen to music, regardless if it’s worship or not, it affects your psyche in some way, regardless if you realize it or not. Take a look into your emotions next time you listen to certain kinds of music and see what happens.

As a psychology nerd, listening to music engages various psychological processes. It influences emotions and acts as a mood regulator and memory trigger. Cognitive attention is also required, which affects concentration and memory. Physiologically, music induces arousal or relaxation, impacting heart rate and brain activity. Neurologically, it stimulates the release of dopamine, contributing to pleasure and reward. Also through therapeutic applications, music goes beyond just liking the vibes.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16 (NASB)

Think about it: our prayers and meditations are not just the “notes” of our spiritual journey; they are the moments that connect us to something greater. In the stillness between our thoughts, in the pauses between our words, that’s where we might discover a profound connection with our Father.

The Word teaches us the wisdom that life’s richness is found not only in the highs and lows but also in the transitional moments. Similarly, our relationship with God flourishes when we recognize His presence not just in the triumphs and challenges but also in the quiet interludes of our daily lives.

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NASB)

God created everything perfectly, and He gave humanity a precious gift—music. Beyond the music is a language that transcends the earthly realm, speaking directly to the depths of our souls in the spiritual realm. Each melody and chord is a reminder of the divine creativity that surrounds us and is in us.

O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.

Psalm 95:1 (NASB)

As we listen to the beauty of a song or create our own melodies, let’s recognize this divine gift. Music is not just an art form; it is a way in which we experience the presence of God. So, let’s appreciate and celebrate this extraordinary gift, allowing the songs to guide us to a deeper understanding of the Creator’s endless love and creativity. And let’s also come into each day with the awareness that our journey, much like your favorite song again, carries spiritual connection—inviting us to listen, appreciate the songs beyond the sound, and find God through them.