Singing

speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. – Ephesians 5.19-21

O love going to church. I love our little church here in Naas. One of the things I love the most about going to church is the singing.

Everyone knows the power of son. Political campaigns use it at rallies. Nations have anthems to stir patriotic fervour. Nothing stirs a rugby crowd in Dublin like the singing of ‘Ireland’s Call.’ Advertisers spend millions creating catchy tunes to associate with their products. Music has power in and of itself.

The world knows that – and since God created music if we miss it we are really doing harm to ourselves and to our churches. Singing was a huge part of the Old Testament – it even contains 150 songs!

We are told here that psalms and hymns and spiritual songs need to be a part of our worship. Songs speak to each other and it makes a special melody in our hearts. A church in song can be a very special and memorable place.

When we come together we all ought to join in to encourage and bless each other and to be blessed. The quality of our singing doesn’t make any difference. As the old joke goes we are told to ‘make a joyful noise’ unto the Lord. When we see out of a heart of joy on song will be joyful and encouraging. We ought to fill our lives with God-honouring music so that God can use that music to lift us when we are down.

Sing, make melody. Join in songs of praise and thanksgiving and worship. Let God use this powerful tool to work in our lives.