Sing!
Psalm 104:33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
I grew up in the United Methodist Church, where the hymnal had words from John Wesley, (the leader of the movement that became Methodism,) in the front. There were two pieces of advice for singing that I particularly remember. One was – Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead and half asleep, but lift up your voice with strength. And the second one – Let not a slight degree of weakness hinder you. If it is a cross – take it up and you will find a blessing.
Underneath the words from Wesley was someone else’s interpretation: “This means if you sing well, sing out. And if you don’t sing so well – still sing out – and let God know that too.”
What role does singing play in your life of faith? Do you feel connected to the Spirit of God in music, in listening or participating yourself? When we watch worship online, lots of us sing along. And when we hear good singing – the kind that does sound like a gift from God – we often feel full in a way that isn’t like any other. So – sing! Listen to other people sing, and choose to value the way the instrument that is our voice makes a difference in how we communicate with God.
Reflection Questions:
- What songs do you enjoy singing?
- Does singing feel like an integral part of your faith?
- Take some time today to sing and notice how it feels to praise God in this way.
Prayer: O Lord, help me to lift up my voice to you in song! In Jesus Name, Amen