Today, let’s continue our journey of being a disciple. We’ve already discussed the power of prayer and the importance of secret, simple, and steadfast prayers to God. As Paul instructed, we’ve meditated on God’s words, focusing on virtuous things. We also explored the humbling practice of fasting, especially when combined with prayer.
Now, let’s delve into another crucial discipline: singing. Singing can bring immense spiritual benefits, yet it’s often underappreciated. I’ve observed many Christians singing without emotion or not singing, and some even avoiding worship services focused on singing. However, singing is a powerful spiritual discipline that fosters growth in godliness. It should become a habitual practice for us all.
Firstly, let’s understand the purpose of singing in our assemblies. The primary purpose is to praise the Lord, an act of upward devotion. The word “hymn” itself means a song of praise. Throughout the Psalms, we are called to sing praises to God. For instance, in Psalm 30:4, David urges, “Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” We, as saints, must sing praises and give thanks for His holy name.
Consider Psalm 47:6-7, where it says, “Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding.” We must sing with an understanding of the words and their meaning. In Psalm 95:1, “O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation,” we see another call to joyful praise. This theme continues in Psalms 96:1, 98:1, and 100:2, urging us to praise the Lord with song.
Singing also teaches and admonishes one another, an outward expression of encouragement. Colossians 3:16 instructs us to let “the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Singing is not just directed to God but also serves to uplift and instruct our fellow believers. Paul reinforces this in Ephesians 5:19, where he speaks of “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
Moreover, singing enriches and fills us inwardly. David expressed in Psalm 71:23, “My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, and my soul, which You have redeemed.” Singing brings personal joy and spiritual enrichment. It also allows us to be filled with the Spirit, as Paul advises in Ephesians 5:18-19.
So, how can we get more out of this discipline? Engage your mind as you sing, understanding the words and their meaning. Engage your heart, singing with grace and melody, involving your emotions deeply. Enhance your singing experience by sitting closer to others, fostering a more united and uplifting worship atmosphere. Expand your singing beyond public worship to private moments, making it a spontaneous expression of your faith, as Paul and Silas did in prison.
David’s attitude towards singing, as seen in Psalm 13:6 and 104:33, calls us to publicly and privately praise the Lord. Psalm 149:1 and 5 also encourage singing in the assembly and in private moments.
As we pursue godliness, let’s embrace the discipline of singing alongside prayer, meditation, and fasting. Reflect on your spiritual journey—where would you spend eternity if the world ended today? Hear the gospel, believe, repent, confess Jesus as the Son of God, and be baptized for the remission of sins. Live faithfully, seeking forgiveness when needed.
Where do you stand today?
