Listen To The Music

I love watching movies. Although I like a good comedy, my favorite movies are drama and suspense. I like movies that hold my attention and keep me on the edge of my seat.

There is one thing that I have noticed about most movies. When one of the characters is about to walk into a dangerous situation, we always hear some eerie music. Have you ever noticed that? When someone starts walking up a flight of stairs or heading toward a closed door, and that music starts playing, I know that they are walking into danger.

There have been times that I was so caught up in a movie, that when I heard that music, I would be shaking my head and hollering to the person, “Don’t go in there. Can’t you hear the music?”

I know it is just a movie and the music is there to add excitement to the scene. But sometimes I wonder what the person would do if he or she could hear the music? Would they stop what they are doing, or would they proceed recklessly? Would they head on into a dangerous situation, or would they act sensibly? In other words, would they listen to the music?

In our lives, we hear music everyday. I’m not talking about the sound of an orchestra or a band. I’m not referring to the melodies that come from our stereos, CDs or MP3s. I’m talking about the still, small voice of God that speaks to our hearts.

How many times have you said, “Something told me not to do that”? Could that “Something” be God talking to you? We often find ourselves in trouble because we do not listen to Him. Instead, we are like the characters in a movie. We go places that we have no business going. We get involved with people that we should stay away from. We eat and drink things that are harmful to us. I can imagine the angels in heaven shaking their heads and hollering to us, “Don’t do that. Can’t you hear the music?”

When God speaks to His people, it is smooth and comforting like soft, mellow music. The problem is, sometimes we don’t listen. We have our minds made up and we do what we want to do. Some Christians have lost their way because they didn’t listen to the music. Some women have gotten into abusive relationships because they didn’t listen to the music.

God knows what is best for us. The next time He speaks to you, open up your heart and listen to the music.

- Rev. Burton Barr Jr. (Author of "The Hoodlum Preacher" and "Amazing Grace: The Storm Is Passing Over")