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Reading: Psalm 96
(Verses 1-6)
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary (NIV).*

Photo courtesy of Donald Adam
Reflection
Who are you singing to? Let’s face it; most of us sing. We may not sing in a choir or in front of a crowd of thousands, but we sing. Maybe you sing in the shower. Maybe you just hum, whistle or sing a tune in your mind. Even though you may not fully vocalize your song, the music is still there bubbling beneath the surface.
Psalm 96 urges us to sing that song to the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.
I believe it’s in our nature to sing. Music is after all a universal activity enjoyed by people of every race and culture. This universality begs a question: Who put that love for music and song within us?
For believers the answer is obvious. God put music in our hearts and God puts songs on our lips. We sing because we are and because God is. Music is so foundational—so fundamental to our being—that it’s hard to imagine our world without it. When we break forth in song we are doing what God designed us to do. You were designed to sing, just as you were designed to bring glory to God through the work of your hands or the fruit of your body. So let your voice bring honor, praise and glory to God. Sing out your worship with joy.
Psalm 96 is also a call for newness in worship. Why does God want a new song? Could it be because His mercy and love for us are continually renewed? In the midst of national tragedy, Jeremiah reminded us of this truth. Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Just as the changing seasons bring renewal to the earth and its vegetation, so to new songs of praise bring renewal to our worship. So whether you hum, whistle, or belt out songs in the choir, let your song ascend to the LORD. You are singing for Him and to Him.
Response: LORD God, I want to praise you. Give me news songs and new melodies to sing your praise. Your goodness and love abounds. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise. Amen.
Your Turn: Do you enjoy singing? Do you like both old and new worship songs?
* New International Version, Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica
The first volume of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer by award-winning author David Kitz is now available. For a closer look at this 265-page daily devotional book visit Amazon and enter David Kitz into the search bar.
Singing is important to me, yet I have no real talent in it! Like the poor widow and her mite, I offer what I have to my Father God in adoration. My love for worship covers many styles of music but my main source of inspiration is traditional worship.
Let’s keep making a joyful noise in praise of our God. By the way, Alan, your beautiful Christmas card arrived all the way from Scotland yesterday. Thank you. Your friendship is a blessing.
Music just lifts us up and we can “enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His His courts with praise.” Singing sets the table (our hearts) to receive the meal (message) that the Pastor or speaker brings. If the plates aren’t clean and ready to receive, we miss the blessing that we came to receive.
That’s a great analogy, Wally. It’s our responsibility to keep our plates (vessels) clean and ready for our Master’s service. See 2 Timothy 2:20-22.
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Worshiping God has always prepared my heart to enter into the presence of God. There is just something about worshiping Him. It gives the heart peace and the spirit of the Holy Spirit rests upon you. My focus is set on Him and not me.
Blessings to you all!
So true. Thanks for your thoughts.
You may enjoy singing a psalm or two (all 150 are here) or sharing some of these with friends.
Enjoy… https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQj9dljI-yb7we0vdtMhBwg
Thanks for sharing this link.
May we sing to the Lord.
Amen!
God bless you David