Dr. Shana Wise
Harp: the national instrument of the Hebrews. It was invented by Jubal (Genesis 4:21). Some think the word kinnor denotes the whole class of stringed instruments. It was used as an accompaniment to songs of cheerfulness as well as of praise to God.
King David was once a young shepherd boy who played his harp and spent time with God in the pasture while tending the sheep. Did young David know that he was being equipped for battle through the time he was spending with God and playing his harp?
King David wrote most of the Psalms in the bible. He was a worshipper, songwriter, and musician. Due to this, it enhanced who he was as a warrior. David’s playing of the harp was just as effective and powerful as the sword he used in battle.
God is always dealing with a child abiding in the adult body.
God was with David whether he was on the battlefield, in the pasture with the sheep, playing the harp for King Saul or running for his life, from him.
1 Samuel 16:14-23
Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. 15 Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.”17 So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.”18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.”19 Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” 20 So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.21 David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”23 Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.
We are God’s instruments
· Amos 6:5 You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments.
· Acts 9:5 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;
“Your Harp”, can heal and drive out demons (vs 23)
· Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
· 1 Cor. 10:4-6 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
· Our worship has so much power in the spiritual realm. Do we realize how much impact we have through our worship?
· Other people’s spiritual wellness is benefiting and sometimes depending on our worship. King Saul benefitted from David playing his harp.
· Our harp, can change the atmosphere eternally, externally, and in time, and the space in between
How is God using you as His instrument?
· What is holding you back from playing your harp (worshipping)?
· How have you benefitted from someone else’s worship?
· What fears is keeping you from being used by God?
About the Author
Dr. Shana Wise is an ordained Pastor and CEO of Wise Choice Ministries (est. 2016). She is the founder of The Well Christian Women’s Network formally known as Christian Women Preachers United. Dr. Wise is the author of women’s devotional, Acts of Intercession, and The Impact of Your Election (available on Amazon). She received a doctor of divinity degree in 2019 from St. Thomas Christian University. Her passion is to teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, equip others to apply the Word to their lives, and demonstrate the Word through the power of the Holy Spirit. She is a televangelist that appears on social media outlets and television. Shana is married to Ron Wise and is the mother of four children.
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