Sing to the Lord
Sing unto the Lord…
Psalm 147:7
Do you have a song you sing to the Lord?
The most beautiful sound that can be made by the human voice is song. Birds sing to one another for various reasons – staking out their territory, affirming community, warning of danger, or seeking a mate. Some animals erupt into mournful groans when upset by pain or loss. But humans alone are capable of lifting hearts and voices to heaven to sing to the Lord.
All our gifts to God should be consistent with our recognition of His greatness and character, as well as the nature of His grace-gifts to us. We love Him in return to His love for us, so our songs, like every other expression of love to Him, come from the realization of who He is. Due to this our songs need to have great variety, from songs that reflect His awesome holiness and majestic power, to those that reflect His goodness and tenderness, to those that reflect His wisdom and the beauty of His plan and purpose.
He is the God for all seasons of life as well, so our songs should take into account the variety of real-life backgrounds amid which we discover Him and His truth. Above all they are Christ-centered, for in Him is all the wisdom and knowledge of God and the center piece of His unfolding plan for the world.
But a song is also a personal expression of awe, wonder, gratitude, holy desire, faith, commitment, love, and hope. Music touches us like nothing else, and though different levels of ability and interest exist among people, it is rare to find anyone who does not appreciate the beauty and expressive quality of music. The song sung to God is the tune of personal faith that likewise encourages more faith in others. It is not a platform to display our musical ability, but an opportunity to lead others to express their faith in God.
Many things threaten to steal our song from us – weak faith, trouble, loss, worry, sin, conflicts, threats, difficulty – but the song of faith to God originates in His heart, not ours, and, therefore, rises above life’s challenges. When things seem the darkest, then we especially need a song of love and hope.
Have you let the world steal your song of praise? Stop to say, Thank You, to the Lord, and sing a song of praise to Him.
Above our meager mounds of earth’s accumulations
Above the empty thoughts of our imaginations
Amid the work and toil of human tribulations
Stands God in Triune majesty agelessly the same.
The single soul the world ignores He holds close and dear.
The expanse of stars and galaxies He calls by name.
Yet in humble faith of human hearts He finds delight
And places in our hearts His song of joy and triumph.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Open our minds to understand, and open our hearts to believe and sing to You songs that reflect the joy and faith You have placed in our hearts. Amen.