I Will Sing!
If singing is not now, nor has never been a part of your regular rhythm, you may wonder if there’s any viable reason to begin singing now. And this would be understandable, but only before considering the higher purpose and incredible power that results from singing.
I say this with confidence because everything God created is both purposeful and powerful. And this would include singing. Last week I shared my top ten list of reasons to sing (HERE). Now that we’ve unpacked reasons to sing, we’re ready to explore the purpose and power for singing. Before moving forward however, I encourage you to carefully read the verses below, and ponder what they reveal regarding a personal resolve to sing.
- I will sing of the LORD’s unfailing love forever! (Psalm 89:1 NLT)
- My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing…. (Psalm 108:1 ESV)
- …I will sing about your power…. I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. (Psalm 59:16 NLT)
Sing Purposefully with Others
If you’re nor already aware, the Bible, especially the New Testament, places a strong emphasis on the critical need for living in unity and community with others. There’s a good reason for this, as we are stronger together than we are apart. And this encompasses every aspect of our lives, including singing. There are many wonderful benefits that result from singing with others. However, most significantly is worshiping together, followed by teaching, encouraging and supporting one another through song.
Worshiping
Through Scripture we are reminded that the language of our conversation with other believers should be reflective of the songs we sing together,
Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs… [offering praise by] singing…to the Lord; always giving thanks to God the Father for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…. (Ephesians 5:19 AMP)
This is the biblical model for rightly relating with one another and together with God.
Teaching
Further we are instructed to “teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom [God] provides [by singing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs [to Him] with thankful hearts” (Colossians 3:16 NLT).
Singing is a powerful method of personally rehearsing and teaching others the truth of Scripture. It is also an incredibly spiritually edifying activity. And finally, it is a powerful means of instilling our identity, calling, and purpose as Christ followers.
Traditional hymns such as Great Is Thy Faithfulness or contemporary songs such as Good, Good Father, solidify truths about God. And in the same manner, there is an abundance of both traditional and contemporary songs reminding us of our identity in Christ and our call to reflect Him in this world.
Encouraging
Included in the biblical song book of 150 Psalms are 14 specific songs that were composed for community. Better understood as Songs of Ascent, these songs were sung as believers in Yahweh journeyed together through life. Additionally, these songs were sung as a method of encouraging one another in the truths of Scripture and the ways of God.
The Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) continue to be sung in the form of hymns and songs today. They serve as compelling examples of how we can express our worship and love for Yahweh together through the power of song.
Sing Strategically in Battles
At various seasons of life, we all find ourselves in battles of some sort. And when we do, we need a solid strategy to stand strong and ultimately prevail. Although singing may not be the logical choice for a battle strategy, it’s actually an incredibly effective spiritual weapon. And this principle is wonderfully illustrated in the narrative of King Jehoshaphat recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:21-23.
The narrative begins with a vast army en route to wage war against King Jehoshaphat and the citizens of Judah. Upon hearing the news, the king is terrified and begs God for guidance. He then orders the Judeans to fast and seek the Lord’s help, followed by a powerful prayer offered to Yahweh. Immediately following his prayer, Zechariah steps forward to deliver a prophetic message.
This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged…the battle is not yours, but God’s …. march out against them… stand still and watch the Lord’s victory… [He] is with you! (Chronicles 20:15-17)
Empowered by the Lord’s promised victory, Jehoshaphat and all the people respond in heartfelt worship. Then early the next morning the unified, praise filled army of Judah marches into battle singing this song,
Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever!” At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies…to start fighting among themselves! (1 Chronicles 20:21, 22 NLT)
And the story ends on a glorious high note as the praise-filled army of Judah gains the victory in battle on this historic day!
Sing Prayerfully in Trials
Life is a continual cycle of triumphs, trials, and tests. And the truth is believers in Yahweh are not exempt from this reality. In fact, Jesus spoke plainly to his disciples about this very thing by saying, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33 NLT).
The fact is life happens, meaning sometimes we are faced with circumstances beyond our control. And when, not if these times occur, we need a strategy for responding faithfully. And singing is an incredibly powerful method of responding to trials. If you have any doubts about this, I encourage you to read through the many prayerful songs offered by psalmists in times of despair and distress. In addition, I’d like to highlight one final amazing biblical story of two individuals singing their way through a truly horrific trial. The full account of their story is recorded in Acts 16:16-40.
In summary, Paul and Silas, apostles of Jesus, were severely beaten, chained, and thrown into prison for preaching the Gospel. It’s challenging to even consider how any of us might respond to extreme circumstances such as this. And although I’d like to think I’d offer praise songs during pain and persecution, in all honesty I’m not sure that I would. However, this is exactly what Paul and Silas did with results that were nothing short of a miracle.
Somewhere around midnight, the bruised and bleeding apostles somehow managed the strength to begin singing. And although weak, their songs of praise were powerful resulting in their chains being loosed and the prison doors flying open. In response to this miracle the jailer and his entire family trusted in Jesus and were baptized on this very night.
Our Challenge
The amazing ending of this story was all made possible by the purposeful, powerful singing of two ordinary people; people just like us.
So, this week I encourage you to consider the ways in which you might be more intentional in your commitment to sing. Remember your songs are both purposeful and powerful!
Extend grace to others!
If you’ve been encouraged, strengthened, or edified by this week’s post, please consider sharing Grace Notes for You with a friend.
Song Share of the Week
This week please encourage others by sharing a song that reminds you God is with you as you face trials and battles in life. Consider also explaining why you chose this particular song. I look forward to reading your responses HERE!
Reflect
In what ways have you been challenged to reconsider the purpose for and power of singing? Be specific. What practical steps can you take to release this gift in and through your life?
Pray
Father God, we thank you that all your gifts are perfect, powerful, and purposeful. In those times when we feel emotionally depleted or even defeated, help us to lean into the gift of singing knowing that our personal and corporate songs offered to you are highly effective in transforming our thoughts and perspective. May our private and public songs always bring great honor to your wonderful, holy name. Amen
