Yesterday we learned that every life is accompanied by a soundtrack, just like in the movies. Near the end of my post, I hinted that a soundtrack wasn’t merely a metaphor. The songs we listen to have power to direct our lives. Our iTunes playlists possess more leverage to shape our destiny than we realize.

Yesterday I heard a popular (and ridiculously catchy) rock anthem on the radio called “We are Young” sung by a group named FUN. The song is about getting so hammered that one of your friends has to carry you home from the bar. The chorus wails,

Tonight

We are young

So let’s set the world on fire

We can burn brighter than the sun.

Right. By getting stupid drunk. Think with me: What effect do you think belting out this song over and over could have on your actual life? It may or may not prompt you to drink your face off and pee your integrity into a tap house urinal. But neither will it inspire you to sacrificial nobility.

Who picks your playlist when you soundtrack your life?

Here’s the thing about movie soundtracks: The characters in the story aren’t the most qualified to pick them. We’re usually too busy eating and drinking and living to know what’s truly best for ourselves. But the director knows. He knows what happens after the scene we’re in and how it connects to the finale. He knows the whole story because he’s the one writing it.

So he knows what music fits the story he’s trying to tell. In Psalm 32:7-11 King David has an interesting conversation with God about his life soundtrack:

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

Did you catch that? David is in trouble and he’s looking to God for protection. What does God do first?

He changes David’s soundtrack.

Soundtrack your life beginning with God

I’m not sure what music David had playing in his head before this encounter. When God was finished tinkering with his playlist, though, he was full of songs of deliverance. Of victory. Of hope. Mood music that set the tone for an overcomer. Melodies and lyrics that awakened the attitude David needed to live the noble life God had called him to live.

The purpose of a life soundtrack is:

  • To bring God’s story to life in us
  • To awaken us to our calling
  • To draw us into the action with the right attitude
  • To bring our hearts into resonance with his
  • To inspire us and focus our energies.

Notice how God speaks to David once the song is playing;

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.”

David hears the music, and his heart is softened. He answers with a transformed heart:

“Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!”

Sing what? The songs of deliverance God surrounded him with. The soundtrack.

At first, David was more aware of his troubles than the God song. But then, something got him tapping to the beat. Then humming the melody as he caught on to the music. Then singing the chorus. The song became contagious, until he was belting out the song God had surrounded him with.

Before he knew it, his heart was in full resonance with God.

And so was his life.

Again, this isn’t just a metaphor. God does this with real songs. Let God soundtrack your life.  Let’s talk about that tomorrow.

What song is God surrounding you with right now?

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