Why Sing, part 2

If you made it through and survived part 1, here’s part 2:  #4-6 of the top 10 reasons we sing praises to God.

#4 – Singing is an excellent way to declare God’s promises

This life is hard.  We constantly face issues that discourage us, wear us down and mess us up.  And then as the storm is passing, we start to see the light.  But just when we “get it” and allow God to deliver us (and I’ve experienced this many times) that’s when the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy and he messes us back up again.

Have you ever felt that tug between flesh and spirit?   Do you realize that there is battle out there between good and evil, fighting for your very soul?  It’s like there’s an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other and with all the tension you just feel too weak to stand!

My friend, here is the answer -- you stand on God’s word!  When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He used scripture to resist the devil.  When the Israelites marched into the battle, the musicians led the way.  Singing can be used as spiritual warfare as we claim ground in our hearts for God.  As we advance His kingdom with our actions, we sing, rejoicing because we know that we have the victory in Christ.

So when you’re discouraged, sing God’s truth!

#5 – We sing because God does

This is probably not a reason you’d think of, but did you know that God sings?  And we are made in His image – we are God-imitators.

There are Biblical references to each person of the Trinity singing! 

• Zephaniah 3:17 (an awesome passage about the intimacy of the father) says, “He will quiet you with his love.  He will rejoice over you with singing.”
• Hebrews 2:12 quotes Psalm 22:22 saying Jesus is not ashamed to call them [believers] brothers. He says,   I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.”
• Ephesians 5:18-19 states when we are filled with the Holy Spirit we sing Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

Knowing that God sings causes us to be aware of a couple things:

#1)  We often sense His presence with us when we’re singing together because we’re actually joining Him in song!

#2)  We reflect God’s glory in being more like Him.  He sings so we sing.  And it all points to Him, making Him look good, giving Him all the glory!

#6 - Singing expresses the unity we have because of what Christ did on the cross

Christ died once and for all (Romans 6:10).  If we have put our faith in him, we each have a song of salvation, a song of thankfulness, a song of testimony.  These songs are unique to you and tell your faith story.  If you set it to music it would likely be a country song...although hopefully not because that might not sound too good (just sayin’)

When we sing the same truths together, expressing our gratitude for the gospel, and declare our commitment to follow Christ our king, it unifies us; no matter how good or how bad we’ve been.  No matter who we’ve offended or who has offended us -- we all stand at the foot of the cross, fully forgiven and fully loved.

Being united in Christ gives us the ability to accept, forgive and love each other just as Christ has done for us.  Keep this in mind when you, your spouse, your kids and your parents all like different musical styles.  You all go to church on Sunday having your own favorite songs.  And no one seems to appreciate your unique musical love for the songs that no one else likes! 

As a worship leader, I constantly get song suggestions from the congregation.  Nearly every week someone approaches me and requests a song.  Sometimes it’s a song that we have done before and I like it and other times it’s a song I’ve never heard of.   Many times they’re obscure songs that have been forgotten (or never discovered) and even if I don’t prefer them, that’s okay!  Each person has different connections with various songs.  My hope as a worship leader is to see everyone in the church, whether they “like” they song or not, unified under the power of declaring the gospel and the truth about God.

With all our musical preferences, let’s remember that part of the reason we sing our worship is to unite us in Christ.

Check out all the musical & unifying references in Romans 15:5-7

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus  Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

- Rich