I have always loved to sing. I grew up singing; it was a part of my family heritage. Singing was not something I worked at; it just kind of came naturally. I understand this isn’t everyone’s story, which is why some people feel awkward about engaging in something quite natural. The truth is every believer is called to sing. Why? Because there is a much higher purpose to singing than the action itself. I’m confident most of you reading this post are assured of this truth, but in case you require convincing or simply desire a refreshing, the following is my list of ten solid reasons every believer should sing,
1) Singing is a Fundamental Biblical Practice
In case you’re not already aware, singing is a big deal in the Bible and is referenced over 400 times in Scripture. And this includes 50 exhortations to sing. Additionally the Psalms is a lengthy book of the Bible devoted entirely to song.
Since ancient times, the people of God have embraced singing as a way of praying, praising, and lamenting. Additionally singing was an effective method for teaching, comforting, and encouraging one another. Further, singing was a powerful method of communication with God and one another. Singing was also a positive way to express feelings and emotions. And ultimately singing was a primary way to worship God, and therefore included everyone, as it still does today.
2) The Singing that Glorifies God
Doesn’t all singing, specifically worship-themed songs, bring glory to God? You may be surprised to know not necessarily. Let me explain…
The truth is, as much as we are all attracted to talent and harmonious sounds, God is seeking something far greater. He is seeking hearts that love Him.
Our songs of praise mean nothing to Him if they are offered out of pretense, obligation, or pride. While God is pleased and honored by excellence, He is more concerned with sincerity in everything we do.
[Therefore], …whatever you do …say, [or sing], do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:17 NLT)
So In essence, what matters most to God is the intention of the heart, and this is not exclusive to singing. Instead, it includes everything we do. And when we lift our voices with heartfelt gratitude, this brings glory to God!
3) Singing is the Password to God’s Presence
Currently a password is required for just about everything. This is simple enough but does present a problem in those times we forget the password. Thankfully when it comes to God, His password never changes and is therefore easy to remember.
In case you may need a refresher, the password for entering God’s Presence is singing, also synonymous with praise and thanks.
…Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100:2 ESV)
While it is true that God’s presence can be sensed and experienced in everything we do, there is something especially sweet about experiencing His presence, both personally and corporately, while singing!
4) Singing is a Primary Way to Express Thanks
There are many unique and wonderful ways to offer thanks to God and singing is one of them. When we are singing, we are engaged mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, thus fulfilling the first commandment to love God with our whole being. When we offer songs of gratitude to God, we find this is an effective manner of expressing our thanks to Him.
There are numerous wonderful worship songs, hymns, and psalms dedicated to the theme of gratitude to recite and sing. However, you may also consider putting your own original melody to a psalm of praise. Or perhaps compose your own original, freestyle song of thanks. If neither of these is your style; no problem, simply turn on a worship recording and lift up your song of thanks!!
I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30 NIV)
5) Singing Fosters Unity
One of my most cherished times of the week is congregational singing on Sundays. It’s incredibly inspiring and encouraging to sing with others in united praise to God. Of most significance regarding this corporate action, everyone involved has one purpose: offering praise to God. And when we enter this together, it is extremely unifying, and therefore beautiful and honoring to God.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live [and sing] together in unity! (Psalm 133:1 NIV)
6) Singing Replaces Anxiety with Peace
Singing, specifically songs to and about God, is an effective approach to combating anxiety, worry, and fear. God is not the Author of confusion. In fact, He is the Prince of Peace. And through Scripture we are exhorted to take our negative thoughts captive, and to replace them with God’s Holy Word (see 2 Corinthians 10:5).
Committing to this positive action results in God’s peace guarding our heart and mind (see Philippians 4:7). However, this can only be accomplished by making the choice to redirect our thoughts towards things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise! (See Philippians 4:8.)
And a highly effective method of executing this is by singing scriptural songs that reinforce the truth of God’s Word.
…I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. (1 Corinthians 14:15 ESV)
7) Singing is a Positive Way to Process Sorrow
Lamenting is a dominant theme in the book of Psalms and is a productive method of processing sorrow, grief, and pain. Lamenting acknowledges that yes, life is hard; even overwhelming at times. Yet during this, our faithful God remains the same and is ever present in times of trouble.
For this reason, our songs to God should not be relegated to solely times of joy. Taking this stance is detrimental to our well-being as suffering is a natural part of the human experience. Lamenting is therefore a positive manner of expressing feelings and emotions to our compassionate God who listens and cares.
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! (Psalms 42:5 NLT)
8) Singing Reminds Us of Truth
Singing is a powerful method for memorization. This is how we learned our ABCs, and this is why we remember advertising jingles. There is something very effective about combining any fact or phrase with a melody. When we sing songs about God’s works and ways we are reminded of His steadfast character and faithfulness. And this practice helps to connect the lyrics of our songs to the reality of Scripture, thereby instilling truth in our hearts.
Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. (Psalms 119:54 NLT)
9) Singing is a Public Witness
In case you are skeptical in believing there is any connection between singing and witnessing, I present to you the following testimony…
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,…he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair…. He set my feet on solid ground…. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. (Psalms 40:1-3 NLT)
These words written by King David remind us that others notice when the soundtrack of our lives is transformed from a lament to a praise.
10) Singing is Practice for Heaven
While the Bible does not include any details regarding ongoing activity in heaven, one thing we know for certain is there will be continual singing. And when I say continual, I mean just that; constantly, consistently, and into eternity.
In addition, we are told that every song will be in honor of Jesus. And finally, we read in Scripture that together forever we will sing the songs of heaven with one unified voice.
The following vision recorded by the apostle John is a beautiful glimpse of what we will all one day experience:
…a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there—all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing…before the Throne and the Lamb and heartily singing: Salvation to our God on his Throne! Salvation to the Lamb! (Revelation 7:9-10 MSG)
Knowing this is our future reality, how much more should we embrace the gracious gift of singing now!
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 your favored song of praise to God in your current season of life. Explain why you chose this particular song. I look forward to reading your responses HERE!
Reflect
Consider the specific ways in which you have been inspired, encouraged, or strengthened in your faith by a song of praise. What principle from Scripture or truth about God is illustrated through the lyrics of this song?
Pray
Father God, Thank you for every good and perfect gift that comes from You, including the gift of singing. Thank you for giving us the breath in our lungs to sing. And thank you for giving us inspirational songs, psalms, and hymns that equip us in positively expressing both gratitude and grief. Thank you also for the comfort and encouragement we receive in our personal times of worship and together with other believers. And finally thank you that one day we will sing the songs of heaven together in your presence. Amen!
Singing is definitely a celebration! You were blessed with such an angelic voice!
Such an awesome article. So so good!