But only one instrument sings. Only the voice brings words of praise—explicit expressions of God’s power, goodness, mercy and wonder. Only a human voice declares the truth. A guitar, an organ and a banjo all communicate something of the glory of God, but even the most beautiful note can’t save anyone. We are desperate for a voice, a word, a lyric that announces good news, that reminds us of the truth we all need.
2. Those saved by God sing to God.
The Maker has wired music into the fabric of every soul, even those of us who are not especially musical by nature. It’s not just another way people artistically experience and express their gratitude and awe to God—like painting or journaling or fishing or serving. Throughout the Bible, God’s people—saved by his grace, because of his love—sing. It’s never been exclusive to the talented, or trained, or female. No, it’s part of being human, and it’s part of being Christian. When God rescued you, he became your Song.
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)
It’s a metaphor, but it’s much more than a metaphor. Pulling you up out of the pit, God put his name in your heart and on your lips forever.
3. We are all—young and old, male or female, musical or not—commanded by God to sing.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. (Psalm 5:11)
Sing to him; sing praises to him, tell of all his wondrous works! Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. (1 Chronicles 16:9, 1 Chronicles 16.23″ data-version=”esv” data-purpose=”bible-reference”>23)
We need to trust the God worthy of our worship with how we worship. Singing doesn’t always feel natural, and many of us aren’t good at it, but God tells us to sing. Refusing to sing to God is like ignoring what your mom might like for Christmas, and buying her whatever you really enjoy. God has told us one way he wants to be loved, worshiped and enjoyed—through singing.
He is worthy of more than mere declarations of his greatness or even prayers affirming all that he is. He is worthy of our singing. “I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High” (Psalm 7:17). He deserves our songs.
And he commands it over and over again in his word:
Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds! (Psalm 9:11)
Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. (Psalm 30:4)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly … singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16; also Ephesians 5.18–20″ data-version=”esv” data-purpose=”bible-reference”>Ephesians 5:18–20)
