Modulatio (Latin for “modulation”) is a musical process that is needed when a piece of music reaches a feeling of stagnation. At this point, a modulatio would elevate or depress the emotional elements of the music, or give the main musical theme a new key (i.e., a new platform) in which to flourish. Modulatio also creates anticipation and gives hope to the listener that a beautiful ending is just around the corner.

Isn’t this similar to how turning points work in life?

We know from past experiences that turning points take much time and effort. Moreover, the feelings of awkwardness and perplexity that accompany each modulatio in life leave us in doubt about whether the change is worth it. Yet, this is what Psalm 126:5 (ESV) declares:?

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!?

The people of God taken to captivity in Babylon inevitably shed tears and felt overwhelmed by hopelessness. But their modulatio hadn’t happened abruptly and without cause. There had been many instances, through prophets and signs, in which God warned them about the consequences of their unfaithfulness. Such instances in music would make up a progressive modulation. Even so, the Israelites went on with their lives as though nothing was wrong. There came a time when God had to impose a dominant modulation—a life in captivity—to give his people a new opportunity to follow him.

I too went through a modulatio in life: uprooting my life in Southeast Asia, moving out of my comfort zone to a place where I needed to rely fully on God, speaking a different language, eating different food, adjusting to a different culture, abiding by different social norms …

But the biggest change in my life so far, apart from getting married to my beloved wife, was in moving away from the comfortable bench of a pianist to the centre stage of a singer. As a pianist, it’s easy to hide myself behind the piano and let it speak for me. However, as a singer, I am my own instrument. I need to connect to my deepest vulnerable self in order to communicate effectively with the congregation. As someone who is shy in nature, this has not been an easy modulatio to go through. Yet, this is what Psalm 126:6 proclaims:

He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.

The Israelites grew as a nation in God through their captivity. Looking back on our days in the United States, my wife and I can’t help but give thanks to the Lord. The ups and downs we went through as foreign students who were always vulnerable to financial and political instabilities have made us grow stronger in faith and deeper in empathy for others in need.?

?We are who we are now because of each modulatio in life we’ve been through with God.

FOR REFLECTION

How has a modulatio in your life made you grow in Christ?