Religion: A Pastor Ponders

Bring me a harpist

By Pastor William Jenkins

November 2, 2006

I remember the early years of FM radio when the only music played on that band was referred to as “elevator music.” It was slow, soothing and possessed properties of relaxation. If you liked that kind of music you were not “cool,” you were “square.” I liked Rock & Roll, Gospel and Country music, but in my more pensive frame of mind I liked “elevator music”. It reached me on a deeper level; it spoke to me of quiet and restful moments; it relieved the stress within. Being “cool” all the time could wear a body out.

Many are familiar with the Bible story of David and how in the early years after Goliath, he was a harpist for King Saul. Saul suffered from the melancholies. David’s music had power to tame the savage beast in King Saul. I have heard a harp or two and they are excellent for producing “elevator music.”

A less familiar story is in 2 Kings three. The wicked king Joram, son of Ahab, has had a bad day in battle and resorts to Elisha for help. Elisha would not suffer fools and certainly had no sympathy for wicked Joram. He did not care so much as to give him the time of day. Elisha tells him to go away and seek the help of his false gods. Joram blames his misfortune on Elisha’s God and refuses to leave until Elisha’s God helps him.

Elisha was beside himself that Joram had the audacity to blame God for his misfortunes. He is so frustrated he could spit nails. The great prophet is in no frame of mind to seek counsel of the Lord. Before he does something he might regret Elisha says, “Bring me a harpist!” (2 Kings 3:15) He needed some elevator music. The music settled his nerves so that he could receive a word from the Lord.

Music does affect our moods. The next time you are listening to a particular kind of music, check your attitude and thoughts. What is the music doing for you and to you? When you are depressed or wound too tight, expose yourself to some good mood, i.e. “elevator” music. The next time I am stopped at an intersection and some person pulls up beside me with speakers louder that a shuttle engine, I think I’ll stick my head out the window and shout, “Bring me a harpist!”

League City United Methodist Church is located at 1411 Main Street (FM 518), one block east of Interstate 45. For information, call the church offices at 281-332-1557 or visit the website at

HYPERLINK - http://www.lcumc.org