Power of Gospel Music

As Americans we are facing a major fight with the nation's tough economy, but we can find hope, healing and encouragement in great gospel music.

When I was a child I remember a song called "I'm Troubled." The lyrics went something like this: "I'm troubled.. I'm troubled...I'm troubled all about my soul, but soon as my feet strike Zion I won't be troubled no more." Gospel music is a type of Zion. There is power in the music. Gospel music is the good news of Jesus Christ put in song.There's a peace that the music brings to the troubled soul.

In addition to joblessness, many folks are faced with loosing their homes. Nearly 12 percent of all Americans with a mortgage were at least one month late or in foreclosure in recents years, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Often times we forget that God has always looked out for us. He has always taken care of us. If you put on Marvin Sapp's Never would have made it or my He Brought Me Out, you are reminded of that. People realize that every other option that they tried had a sence of failing in it, but the thing that has never failed us is the power of God and the incredible love of Jesus Christ.

God's word set the song can help as us attempt to rebuild and restore our lives as we cope with a declining economy. As a people we have used music since the says of slavery to reinforce our faith, to remind us of the things that are important, to focus on the positive as opposed to what is right in front of us and to be able to concentrate on the faith of what we cannot see. Gospel music has a way of driving us back to christ. You can not hear a song like Precious Lord or What A Friend We Have In Jesus and not feel the impact.

Music has a way of taking what we're thinking or feeling and giving it voice. That is one of the most important ways music helps in our healing. When you are frustrated or fearful you need something to lift your spirits. The soul gets thristy and it needs some nourishment. There's no other music that can quench your soul.

You don't listen to a club tune like Lollipop when you loose you are about to lose your job. When you are driving up to yoru job you don't know if you are going to get a pink slip today, I guarantee you, you are not listening to Lollipop. You should be listening to something that reminds you that God will make a way out of no way.

I admit, it's not always easy to remain hopeful. Life can be something else. My latest cd Notes of Reassurance, talks about the ups and downs of life. It also reassures you that inspite of your situation God has you in the palm of his hands.

The next time you find yourself stressed out about the pressures of life, take the time to put in some great gospel music. I recommend Elijah Bradford and Purpose Driven.