Sensory Input

Music. We listen to relax, to energize, to enjoy. We use music in worship and praise. Music eases the morning commute and the daily routine. Sometimes we listen to music and do nothing else. When we go to a concert, the music itself is the focus. When we sit at home and just listen with eyes closed, music fills us. When we use music during praise and worship, it is to focus our minds on God, because by focusing on the sounds, we experience something created by God.

All our senses can be a reminder of God. Light, whether from a candle or a sunset, can remind us of God. The smell of holy oil or the temple-like forest glade reminds us of God. Most often the sensory impact is because it reminds us of a previous experience. A particular piece of music or the smell of oil is associated with closeness to God. But sometimes the pure beauty of the input reminds us that God is the Creator of all we experience.

This pure impact can be one piece of red cloth, or one breath of spring air. It is not associated with a previous experience, but is made available by the Creator. We can see God’s creation all around us, and it is proof of the presence of God. Where there is light, or sound, or touch, there is God also; present and waiting for His people.