Sing!

Did you know that there are over 400 references to singing in the Bible?  And at least fifty commands to sing?

These facts are brought out in a book that our Worship Choir here at Trinity is reading through together.  It’s called Sing! and is written by Keith and Kristyn Getty (the composer and lyricist of many modern songs and hymns including the familiar “In Christ Alone My Hope Is Found”).  The book explores the Scriptures in regards to God’s gift of music and singing. 

Among a few other things, the aims of the book are:  to discover why we sing and the overwhelming joy and holy privilege that comes with singing; to consider how singing impacts our hearts and minds and all our lives; to equip our churches for wholeheartedly singing to the Lord and one another as an expression of unity;  and to inspire us to see congregational singing as a radical witness to the world.  (page xxiv)

“Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints” (Ps. 149:1).

This is one of the verses found in the Bible that actually commands us to sing!  It also tells us where to sing – not by yourself in the car or in the shower, but in “the assembly of the saints,” – with others! with your church!  (page 15)

We have an awesome God, who created all things and then called His creation good.  He is an all powerful, indescribable God, and yet He chose to humble Himself and walk among us as Jesus Christ.  Fully God and fully man.  He understands us.  He has shown His love for us in making a way for our sins to be forgiven and to become His sons and daughters, sharing in His inheritance.

In response to this knowledge, and the acceptance of His inheritance, how can we not feel gratitude and an overwhelming sense of love for this Heavenly Father?

He instilled in humanity parts of Himself – He made us in His image.  One of those things is the ability to create beauty.  He made us musical and artistic beings.  What better way is there than to show our gratitude and love for Him than through music and singing, an art that engages the mind, heart and soul?  This is why we sing on Sundays in our worship services – to fulfill the command in Scripture, to come before our God with praise and thanksgiving, and to remind each other that we are not alone in our journey through life.

Nowhere does the Bible say to sing if you have a “good voice.”  The command is to sing “with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Col. 3:16 ESV), and to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” (Psalm 98:4 KJV).  I think this includes everybody!