HOW WORSHIP MUSIC CAN HELP US DRAW NEARER TO GOD

HOW WORSHIP MUSIC CAN HELP US DRAW NEARER TO GOD

Written by Isabella Yu

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

— Colossians 3:16

A LIFELONG LOVE OF MUSIC AND HYMNS

I have loved music since childhood. Traditional Christian hymns have always held a special place in my heart because they taught me so much about the truth of God and the foundations of the Christian faith.

The words of those hymns were more than beautiful poetry accompanied by music. They taught me about God’s holiness, the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the grace of salvation, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the hope we have in God’s promises.

Those biblical truths became deeply rooted within me. Over the years, they have shaped my faith, my thoughts and my understanding of life. Even when we do not consciously remember every hymn we have sung, its message may remain within our hearts and return to encourage us when we need it most.

This is one of the wonderful ways God can use worship music. His truth enters our minds through words and melodies, stays with us and helps us draw closer to Him.

THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVING THROUGH PIANO

I thank God for the privilege of learning to play the piano from a young age. Music was a gift that brought me great enjoyment, but from childhood I also carried the wish that whatever skills and abilities I had might one day be used to serve God.

When I was given the opportunity to play the piano in church, it was both unexpected and deeply joyful. I loved accompanying the congregation as we praised God together. My purpose was not simply to play the correct notes, but to help people participate freely in worship and to encourage them to experience the joy and beauty of music.

Serving in music ministry became an answer to a quiet desire within my heart. I felt happy and privileged that God had opened a way for me to use a skill learned in childhood for His glory and for the encouragement of His people.

CREATIVITY AND NEARNESS TO THE CREATOR

Many of my songs began as personal prayers to God. At times, the words arose while I was seeking His comfort, wisdom or guidance; at other times, they grew from thanksgiving, worship or reflection on Scripture. Turning these prayers into songs has allowed me to remain with their meaning more deeply and has drawn me into a closer relationship with God.

Writing worship songs has brought me even closer to God. Creativity is a special quality of our Creator, and when we are able to create something beautiful, truthful or encouraging, we receive a small glimpse of the wonder of His creative nature.

For me, creating through music is not merely an artistic activity. It is a spiritual privilege. A melody, a line of lyrics or a passage of Scripture may become the beginning of a prayer. As the song develops, I spend time reflecting on God’s Word, listening, seeking and responding to Him. Through that process, my own faith is strengthened before the song is ever shared with anyone else.

The ability to create does not belong to me alone; it is a gift entrusted to me. Remembering this keeps me thankful and helps me offer each song back to God. The closer I draw to the Creator, the more I desire that the music should honour Him rather than simply draw attention to me.

Although I do not consider myself to have achieved everything I would like to achieve musically, I have studied music in considerable depth over many years. This has given me a sound musical foundation and the practical ability to develop melodies, shape lyrics and create musical arrangements with confidence.

SEEKING GOD THROUGH THE DIFFICULTIES

The creative process is not always a smooth journey. Sometimes the words do not come easily. At other times, the melody, singing, recording, technology or production presents difficulties that I do not know how to solve. There can be uncertainty, disappointment and the temptation to give up.

Yet these difficulties have also become opportunities to consult my Lord and Saviour. I can bring the problem to Him in prayer, meditate on His Word and ask for wisdom, patience and direction. I may not always receive an immediate answer in the way I expect, but I am reminded that I do not have to face the process alone.

This is also true of the other difficulties I encounter in life. The same Lord who guides me through a song is the One I can seek when I face personal decisions, struggles or circumstances beyond my understanding. Through prayer, Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I learn to trust Him step by step. The difficulty may remain for a time, but His presence gives me courage to continue.

BEGINNING BEFORE EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT

For a long time, I carried original worship songs in my heart. They were born through prayer, Scripture, personal reflection and my relationship with Jesus Christ. Eventually, I realised that if I continued waiting until everything felt perfect, the songs might never be produced or shared. I therefore decided to begin, even though I was new to the practical work of producing and releasing music.

Every song I produce requires careful thought and preparation. Before a song is brought into production, I give particular attention to its structure, musical expression and arrangement so that its message can be presented clearly and faithfully.

When I released my first songs, Consecrated and I Praise My Lord Jesus, I was new to recording with a microphone and to hearing how breathing and vocal details would be captured in a finished recording. My early challenges arose mainly from unfamiliarity with recording techniques and the production environment, rather than from a lack of musical study or preparation.

Those first releases therefore represent the beginning of my recording journey, not the beginning of my musical journey. Since then, I have continued refining my microphone technique and understanding of production while drawing upon the musical knowledge and experience I had already developed. I remain committed to presenting each song with care and to continuing to improve wherever possible.

Ministry is not about presenting myself as perfect. It is about offering what God has placed in my heart and trusting Him to use it. Those early songs preserve an honest part of my story: the moment when I chose faith and action instead of allowing uncertainty to stop me.

THE PRAYER BEHIND IBYU JOY FOUNTAIN

My years as an occupational therapist and my training as a counsellor allowed me to accompany people through illness, disability, emotional struggles and major changes in life. Those experiences deepened my compassion and strengthened my desire to share God’s love, comfort and hope.

IBYU Joy Fountain was created to honour Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity through original Christian worship music and songs of praise. My prayer is that these songs will help the truths of Scripture live in people’s hearts, encourage faith, bring comfort and hope, and draw listeners into a closer relationship with God.

Like every musician and every believer, I remain open to continued growth and refinement. I believe there is beauty in allowing that development to be seen. If a hymn or one of my songs encourages even one person to pray, worship, persevere or return their heart to God, then sharing it has been worthwhile. It is my joy and privilege to use the gifts God has given me in His service.

Written by Isabella Yu
9 September 2026

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