
On Music: The Healing Power of Worship Music in Times of Crisis


“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1) is a verse that has long been a source of reassurance during tough times, expressing the psalmist’s struggles and his reliance on the Lord. Similarly, music conveys the comfort of such biblical passages through melodies and lyrics, providing deep consolation to the congregation. One of the most powerful examples of music offering comfort is Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” which serves as a potent antidote to despair with its themes of unity and victory. Its joyful melody and message of overcoming adversity are highly suitable for challenging times.
Similarly, Horatio Spafford’s hymn “It Is Well with My Soul” deeply moves congregations with its theme of trust in God amidst crises. Spafford wrote the hymn after losing his four daughters in a tragic shipwreck, yet the lyrics reflect an unwavering faith in God’s providence and peace. The words, “When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea-billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know; It is well, it is well with my soul,”1 resonate with those who face their own trials, reminding them that despite the circumstances, God’s presence offers comfort and assurance.
“Be Still, My Soul” is another beloved hymn emphasizing peace and trust in God, offering great solace during worship. These hymns, with their profound messages of unity, trust, and peace, offer refuge for those experiencing distress, providing reassurance of God’s presence and steadfastness during adversity. Each hymn, in its unique way, helps to alleviate despair and strengthens the congregation’s faith and hope.
During the 2020 pandemic, virtual worship services and online concerts became a lifeline, allowing music to transcend physical distance and foster a sense of community. Worship music’s powerful combination of melody and lyrics uniquely transformed online experiences into deeply personal ones, evoking emotions and memories that connected individuals to their faith. For those experiencing the church virtually, worship music countered physical separation by providing a familiar and comforting service element.
When selecting worship music in times of crisis, it is crucial to consider the emotional and spiritual needs of the congregation. By choosing songs that reflect the inherent grief and resilience of faith, worship leaders can guide the congregation through their emotional journey. Incorporating silence, singing reflective hymns, and playing meditative music allow worshipers to express their feelings and connect deeply with God. Furthermore, blending traditional hymns with contemporary songs can span generational differences and cultivate a more inclusive worship experience.
Over the course of the 2020 pandemic, virtual concerts emerged as a significant means of providing comfort and carving out shared spaces for worship and reflection. One notable example was “Ode to Joy: Music of Hope for Our Time,” a concert aimed at fostering a sense of hope through a virtual environment. This concert was streamed live on YouTube, marking the first time I curated and programmed an event without a live audience. The program blended classical music and hymn arrangements to create a spiritually enriching experience. The concert’s first half included beloved classical pieces like Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” while the second half integrated traditional and modern Christian worship elements. As 2020 marked the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, the concert’s centerpiece was Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” whose message of unity and joy resonated with the collective longing for togetherness and resilience during the pandemic.
The concert received overwhelmingly positive feedback; many expressed a profound sense of peace and connection. The success of this effort was due to several factors. First, the selection of music spoke directly to the emotions and spiritual needs of the time. The familiar classical pieces and comforting hymns created a bridge that connected viewers to their faith and to each other, even when they were physically apart. Second, the concert’s blend of classical and contemporary elements provided a sense of continuity and tradition while embracing modernity, making the experience relatable and accessible to a broad audience. The congregation and broader audience reacted with heartfelt appreciation, highlighting how the music helped them feel connected to their faith and to others during crises.
Music achieves a profound connection by evoking emotions and memories often linked to childhood experiences or previous worship gatherings. These familiar melodies and lyrics can transport individuals to significant moments in their faith journey, creating a comforting sense of nostalgia and continuity. The themes of hymns, such as unity, hope, and resilience, reinforce biblical messages and sermons, making congregants feel more emotionally and psychologically attached to the service.
Music’s ability to convey deep spiritual truths through melodies and lyrics bridges the gap between the virtual and the tangible, making worship more immersive and impactful. As a result, congregants become active participants, feeling a deep sense of inclusion and connection to their faith community. Research supports that music evokes strong emotions and memories, providing comforting nostalgia and continuity.2 Themes of unity, hope, and resilience align with messages of faith and perseverance, offering spiritual reinforcement and a shared experience, even across distances.
Expressing sorrow through music acknowledges pain and suffering while simultaneously providing a path toward hope and healing. This practice emphasizes the communal nature of Christian worship and the support system it offers, reinforcing the belief that suffering is not the final word. I have observed firsthand music’s profound impact during times of deep sorrow. In my own experience, when I was engulfed in pain, music became the pathway to healing and drawing closer to God. During such times, speaking about the pain or even talking to others can feel impossible. Music, however, has a unique ability to dissolve the barriers in our hearts and provide solace. Music can gently melt into the heart and heal it during such times. This personal healing journey through music has shown me its incredible power to comfort and connect us to the divine.
Music, as a form of worship, connects the human soul with God, offering the presence of God during challenging times. The theological foundation of this practice lies in understanding that music is a gift from God, a means of grace that can uplift the spirit and strengthen faith. The Psalms, often referred to as the Bible’s hymnbook, are filled with songs of lament and praise, reflecting the full range of human emotions and experiences. They teach us that we, too, may bring our sorrows and joys before God in worship. Through music, we can experience God’s faithfulness and mercy, finding both encouragement and strength.
Notes
1. “It Is Well with My Soul,” reproduction of original manuscript, spaffordhymn.com.
2. Nathan Myrick, “Music, Emotion, and Relationship in Christian Worship,” Liturgy 36, no. 1 (2021): 27–31.