Did you know - When You Sing, You are Being Obedient?
The Bible Shows us Seven Reasons Why we Should Sing!
Maybe you've never really thought about the role singing plays in a Christian's life? What does God think about it - is it His desire for His people to sing? Is it that important? Let's see what God's word - the Bible - says.
1. YOU ARE BEING OBEDIENT
Scripture shows us it's not an option, but a command.
"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 (NKJV)
"... but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the LORD." Ephesians 5:18-19
Also see Psalm 30:4, Psalm 95:1, and James 5:13
This is what God wants of us - to sing! It doesn't matter what you think your voice sounds like - to God your voice reflects your heart - your soul.
2. YOU STAY ON THE PATH GOD MADE FOR YOU TO HAVE JOY
Are you struggling to find joy in the midst of trials, or even under normal day-to-day life? Try singing! Because He made us, he created in us the connection between singing, praising Him and joy, they are linked tightly together. Take the time to delve into the Word to see what God says about singing and joy.
The Psalms, especially have a lot to say about singing.
"I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High." Psalm 9:1-2 (NKJV)
"But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the mornig; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my defense, My God of mercy." Psalm 59:16-17 (NKJV)
At times, singing leads to joy, and other times joy can lead to singing. Either way, it brings encouragement and a sense of connection to our awesome Creator!
3. YOU GO DEEPER INTO THE RICHES OF THE WORD
Singing is one of the ways to have God's word take root in us, to nourish us spiritually. The Apostle Paul understood this and exhorted believers - "Let the word of Christ dwell in your 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
Singing is a command, that comes with a promise. As we sing, we are promised that the Word of Christ will dwell in us - and as believers this should be something we crave!
Don't just think of worship singing as the prelude to the sermon or message, but in fact singing goes hand in hand with the message being brought. And I've seen it happen that the music chosen for a service dovetails well with the message, without the speaker or worship leader being aware of the connection beforehand. God's hand at work, underscoring music's importance to Biblical teaching.
Many of the old 'standards' of hymns are packed with theology, which can make memorizing passages of scripture happen without trying. You might have difficulty remembering specific scripture, but the melody and words of worship songs are easily recalled when they've been sung often enough.
4. YOU ENCOURAGE AND BUILD UP OTHERS
Fellow believers are built up, encouraged, when you sing. But equally important, it may be the non-believer who is impacted by your singing. Corporate worship can be evangelistic!
It is a proven fact that music triggers memories, evokes strong feelings. If we are called to be a light to the world, remember what the LORD says in Psalm 105:1-2 "Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him, talk of all His wondrous works!" There are many ways to plant the seeds of the Good News - and singing can be powerful!
Think of these Hymns (only a very small sampling!) and what the title or first line tells you:
All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
Trust and Obey
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Blessed Assurance
Jesus Loves Me
Don't underestimate the power there is when scripture and faith unite in song!
5. YOU ARE PREPARING FOR WARFARE
Until recently, I didn't connect singing and spiritual warfare. I see it now, and know it is a theme in Scripture. As noted in point 3, the Apostle Paul challenged the Colossians to literally put sin to death, to kill it, and remove it from their lives. All the exhortations and commands about love, peace, and forgiveness, to teaching and singing are attitudes and habits the believer uses to kill sin! We are armed and ready for battle!
When you're focused on singing, it guards your thoughts from attacks of the enemy - how he must hate to hear a believer singing praises to God! Another benefit is that you'll find it almost impossible to tell a lie, covet something, or have inappropriate thoughts when you're singing. A heart - literally - in tune with God, does not easily give in to temptation!
But a warning - music and lyrics you hear take root. If the message is against God, or His character and plans for your life, you risk taking on those attributes. Be selective and mindful of what your ear takes in.
On a personal note, since I've begun to incorporate more worship music in my devotion and prayer time, I find when I wake up in the morning, there are already choruses or refrains running through my mind! Which means God is in my head before the devil gets a chance to ruin my day!
6. YOU ARE SPIRITUALLY STRONGER TO FACE TRIALS
How did Paul and Silas cope when they were unjustly imprisoned for the sake of the Gospel? They sang! "But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed." Acts 16:25-26
Spiritual chains can be loosed as well - the ones the enemy loves to wrap around us. Even during suffering, sing!
7. YOU GLORIFY GOD!
Singing shows obedience, makes our spiritual roots go deeper, encourages others, and makes spiritual war against Satan and sin. Perserverance and finding joy in God! All from singing and giving Him praise!
Singing is powerful and works to unite heart, soul, mind, and strength together so that we can focus on God. The last book of the Bible, Revelation Chapter 7: 9-10, gives us but a glimpse of the time soon to come when multitudes of people from every tribe, every nation, and every tongue, will sing before the Lamb, "...crying out with a loud voice, saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'"
I long to be one among that multitude, singing the praises of the Lamb. Until then, my aging, croaky voice will do the best it can as I consciously make the effort to sing, and give Glory to my Creator God, My Saviour Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
Will I see you there?
In His Name
Liz
