Lovely word, isn’t it? When a harmony is done well, two or more vocal parts come together in an arrangement that adds FEELING, DEPTH, TEXTURE, and perhaps even a sense of TRANQUILITY to a song. Many of the singers interviewed describe the experience of singing harmonies as causing a physical sensation almost like a buzzing when they’re getting it right.
The bible says this about harmony, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” (Rom. 12:16)
- FEELING: “Set your minds ON THINGS ABOVE (that’s where our harmony is), not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now HIDDEN WITH CHRIST in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will APPEAR WITH HIM in glory. PUT TO DEATH, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” (Col. 3:2-5) “Then you will experience GOD’S PEACE, WHICH EXCEEDS ANYTHING we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
- DEPTH: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him…these are the things GOD HAS REVEALED TO US BY HIS SPIRIT. The Spirit searches all things, even THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD.” (1 Corin. 2:9-10)
- TEXTURE: There is a “texture (quality) of life” that cannot be reduced. It has a richness that rational descriptions cannot capture. Though we battle with powerful forces that draw us towards the destructiveness of sin – there is written DEEP WITHIN US a hunger for fullness and the ability to INTIMATELY KNOW GOD. In the words John, “Greater is He that is IN YOU than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).
- TRANQUILITY: “…since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have PEACE (tranquility) WITH GOD because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (Rom. 5:1) Jesus says it like this, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I GIVE YOU. Do not let your hearts be troubled and DO NOT BE AFRAID.” (John 14:27)
-Bill Stockham