I learned this week that the book of Psalms was like an ancient hymn book and the words were designed to be set to music. Learning this important piece of information really helped shape my understanding of the Come, Follow Me reading. Another neat thing I learned about the book of Psalms is that it is the most quoted book in the New Testament (see Bible Dictionary).
When I thought about how important the Psalms must have been to the people living during Bible times, it made me think about how important sacred music is for us as well.
How often has music been able to touch your heart and bring comfort and peace to your soul? There is a power in music that reaches us differently than the spoken word. President Nelson has said “Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end…Hymns can also help us withstand the temptations of the adversary…Worthy music also has the power to persuade...Music has a sweet power to promote unity and love in the family…Music has power to provide spiritual nourishment. It has healing power. It has the power to facilitate worship. It provides power for us to express prayerful thoughts and bear testimony of sacred truths…Music has power to overcome language barriers…Worthy music is not only a source of power but also of protection.” (The Power and Protection of Worthy Music)
For the last (almost) 10 years, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been putting a greater emphasis on providing new music for the youth each year. The music is more contemporary, catchy and appealing to the youth and their families. If you haven’t tuned in yet, you are missing out! The Church is providing so many resources for families in an effort to help fortify us and our children and to help all of us get on and stay on the covenant path, and music is another one of those amazing resources! Here's a link to the new youth music website Youth Music, or you can download the app "Sacred Music" to your phone. Here's a link to one of my favorite songs "Healer" from this years youth album. Happy listening😀
