Sunday Seed Thoughts: Singing

“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world,” wrote Martin Luther in the forward of a 1538 symphony by George Rhau.

“Music controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits,” Luther further observed. “The precious gift of music has been given to man alone that he might thereby remind himself that God has created man for the express purpose of praising and extolling God.”

On another occasion, Luther opined “When we sing we pray twice.”

In every dispensation of God’s people, singing has always been a powerful means of honoring God, proclaiming the Good News, and expressing our humble, heartfelt thanks to our Creator.

The Psalmist penned, “Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name” (Ps. 30:4).

In New Testament worship, Paul admonished, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).

R. J. Stevens once observed that singing is the only expression of worship that will be in heaven. There will be no need for preaching, giving, praying or the Lord’s Supper, but there will be singing. In Revelation 14 and 15, the saved are singing “a new song” before God’s Throne.

While we can sing at home, in our car, or on a mountain top, the Bible puts singing “in the church” (Heb. 2:12). There we collectively praise God, offer spiritual sacrifices to Him by the “fruit of our lips (Heb. 13:15), and encourage, admonish and teach one another (Col. 3:15).

I’ve heard people lament that the singing at their church wasn’t very good. Tim Stevens once offered this remedy. “Congregational singing will improve when each member puts his heart and soul into every word of every song used in worship.”

Tim, then, offered this observation. “Poor congregational singing, in most cases, is a symptom of a deeper problem. When hearts are filled with faith, hope, and love, the song service will come alive!”

Today, as we assemble at our respective local churches, let us “sing with the spirit and the understanding” (1 Cor 15:14). Regardless of our musical giftedness, we can praise God earnestly, fervently, and enthusiastically.

Joyfully singing spiritual songs…

…motivates our ministry

…encourages faithfulness

…inspires greater involvement

…stimulates us to love and good works

…connects us  to fellow Christians

…witnesses to non-Christians

…reduces anxiety

…refreshes our hearts

…lightens our burdens

…lifts our spirits

…And honors God

“Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world” (Isa. 12:5).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman