Did you know there are over 200 references to music and singing in God's word? The longest book in the Bible--Psalms--is made up of 150 songs. Songs of praise, songs of sadness, repentance, you name it, it's in there. This might make one believe singing is important to God.
That's tongue in cheek, of course. Singing is important enough to God that he commanded it (Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19).
I often wish I had a better grasp of music, beyond F-A-C-E and every good boy does fine. Then maybe I could pour out my praise the way David did. But even though I don't have that particular skill, God blessed us with so many talented songwriters. When I was a kid, I guess I thought all the songs had been written by those folks who were long gone, like Fanny J. Crosby or Tillit S. Teddlie. Imagine my surprise (and elation) to learn people are still writing hymns and songs of praise.
But it doesn't matter if it's a new song or one that's several hundred years old, when I sing, I can express my praise and love through music. Music is an expression of joy--even God sings for joy. Did you know that? Read Zephaniah 3. The prophet tells how the Lord will restore Israel, and he says God will exult over the people with loud singing.
I know there are people out there whose life doesn't include music almost 24/7, but song is such a blessing from our God. How can we not return that gift to Him by singing His praises? And in the process, how can we not be comforted, strengthened, encouraged, lifted up?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
- Think of some of your favorite hymns, old and new. How do those songs help you in your worship? How do they lift your spirit and encourage you?
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