Psalm 96 - A new song

Read: Psalm 96 vs 1-13

If somebody was to ask you to list a number of things that Christians do, I wonder what things would come to your mind? Christians pray, Christians meet together on a Sunday, Christians care for others and Christians tell others about Jesus. I wonder how high up ‘singing’ would be on your list? When the Apostle Paul was writing to small groups of new Christians in what were to become his New Testament letters, its interesting how on a number of occasions he specifically encourages his readers to sing and to keep singing:

‘Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with Psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord …’ (Ephesians 5 vs 18-19)

‘Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.’ (Colossians 3:16)

These verses help us to understand that singing isn’t just ‘something Christians do’, but actually it is something that Christians are instructed to do. Singing is part of what it means to be a Christian. Psalm 96 helps us to understand why singing is so significant for Christian people. When we sing, we use our breath, God’s gift to us, to praise Him (vs 1-2). This isn’t something that should be kept for Sundays, but rather should be part of our day to day lives. When we sing we ‘declare His glory’ to others around us.

In a changing and uncertain world singing gives us opportunity to declare what is right and true about God, causing us our hearts and minds to worship Him (vs 9). Singing steadies us in a shaky world (vs 10) and it keeps us humble before God as we await the day when Jesus will return (vs 13).

In the Christian life there are old songs to sing (such as the Psalms) and there are new songs to sing (new songs are written every year). It is good to sing, when we are gathered as God’s people, and when we are on our own. Is there a song that you can sing today?

Prayer: Father thank you for the breath you give to us. Help me to use my voice to praise Your Name. Amen.