Recently, I've been reminded on the importance of singing. I'm not talking about just any song, but specifically singing praise to God. When the day is long, stress is high, and it's only Monday, it can be difficult to remember God's promises and truths. We too often forget the goodness and faithfulness of Christ. It isn't always that we don't know or believe these truths, it's just that we wander from God's scripture, His truth, and probably our prayer life.
When we don't feel like praising God, that's probably exactly when we should. If we only praised God when we felt good, we would seldom praise Him. For me, I've found the days that I've worshipped, prayed, and sought the Lord help keep my perspective on eternal things. No, I may not have a good day, and I may not feel good. But I can rest and know that God will sustain me and that His grace is sufficient. A song might even lighten my mood.
Creation sings His praise.
"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." -Psalm 19:1
Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing. Power and majesty sing praise to the king. Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound. (Yes, this is "Shout to the Lord," by Hillsong). We know how much creation sings. Even the rocks cry out if we don't praise him. The birds sing their song in tune every morning. The whole earth is filled with His glory. Let's be a body of Christ that gladly sings along with creation.
The Bible commands us to sing.
I understand that not everyone likes to sing. However, the benefits of singing God's truth over ourselves alone, or in a congregation, can be encouraging; even healing to the soul. There is something about singing a melody of truth over and over that really helps us believe what we are singing. For example, when you get to the last chorus of "It Is Well Will My Soul", you begin to really believe and remember that "Yes! It really IS well with my soul!" Despite ever-changing circumstances, we can be still and know that He is God.
Singing helps us remember scripture.
Have you ever sang a song and realized it's straight out of scripture? Or vice-versa? I've been in moments where I am deeply troubled, but then had a familiar tune of a hymn come to mind. It reminds me of God's truth. Just like praying aloud or hearing someone pray can bring comfort and truth, so can a song.
People sang in the Bible.
Moses's sister Miriam sang when they left Egypt (Exodus 15:21). David sang to King Saul when he was troubled by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:23). Paul and Silas sang in prison (Acts 16:25). The angels sing in heaven: "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty who was and is, and is to come."(Revelation 4:8)
"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God." -Psalm 100:1-3a
Need more music? Check out a playlist here.