When I first started listening to worship music, I thought it was simply a better, more wholesome alternative to secular music—something good for the soul and cleaner for the mind. But over time, I realized… it’s so much more than that.

Worship music isn’t just about the melody—it’s about the message. It’s praise, it’s prayer, it’s instruction. In the Bible, God’s people often sang truth to remember it. Songs were how they memorized Scripture, recounted victories, and reminded their hearts who their God was.

Take for example the song “I Raise a Hallelujah.”

“I raise a hallelujah in the presence of my enemies.

I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief.

I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody.

I raise a hallelujah, Heaven comes to fight for me.”

If you really stop and listen, this isn’t just a song—it’s a battle cry. It tells us what to do when we’re overwhelmed or surrounded… Raise a hallelujah. Worship becomes our weapon. That melody becomes our reminder that we’re not alone—Heaven itself goes to war on our behalf.

The words we sing are more than lyrics. They’re seeds of truth planted in our hearts. Even if we don’t fully grasp it in the moment, our spirit hears it. Our mind is being renewed (Romans 12:2). Our faith is being stirred. That’s why Paul wrote in Colossians 3:16:

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly… through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

Worship is also a posture. Some ask, “Why do people raise their hands?” Sometimes it’s surrender. Sometimes it’s honor. Other times, when arms are stretched wide, it’s a sign of inviting Him in—an open heart saying, “Here I am, Lord. I give You all of me.”

So today, as you listen to worship music, don’t just listen for the beat—listen for the Word. Let the lyrics speak to your situation. Let them guide your heart in prayer. Let them remind you who your God is and what He’s promised.

Because worship isn’t just what we do… it’s who we are. 
 

-Rev Carlos Figueroa