EXODUS 15:1–2,13–18
John Philip Sousa, a composer and band conductor widely regarded as “The March King,” wrote music that has been played by bands all around the world for more than a century. Beethoven is to symphonies what Sousa is to marches. He understood the ability of music to inspire, uplift, and motivate people.
Israel’s people were frequently moved to write and sing songs in the Old Testament era to thank God for his assistance when they needed it. Moses and the Israelites praised the Lord as He delivered His people from the armies of Pharaoh (Exodus 15:1-2).
Music has the ability to uplift us by reminding us of God’s own faithfulness. We can sing hymns and uplifting tunes to ourselves when we are feeling down. We can sing hymns and songs that help us lift our gaze away from the difficult situations we face and toward the might and presence of the Lord. They serve as a reminder that we can rely on God for our strength, song, and salvation.
🙏🏻”Hymns of glory, songs of praise,
Father, unto thee we raise,
Jesu, glory unto thee,
with the Spirit, ever be”
_ James Montgomery (1819)
