Have you ever wondered why we sing in worship?
Let’s be honest, it has it awkward moments. A room full of people…singing to God – some who can sing, some who cannot. People raising their hands, shouting “amen”, getting emotional.
Imagine if you hosted a dinner party with a bunch of people you didn’t know. You gathered them in your living room and announced – “Let’s sing together.” And yet most of the people didn’t know the songs.
Oftentimes our corporate worship can feel like this. And I want to tell you that this is OK. Sure, we need to improve our skill of being an engaging leader and being strategic in our song choice.
But I want everyone – worship team and congregation alike – to dive into the awkwardness of corporate singing. And not just to sing, but to sing loud in corporate worship even if singing isn’t your “thing”.
Here’s why.
We sing because…
1. God is worthy – There is no other name that is worthy of all praise, glory, honor, and renown. The glory of God demands our praise and we respond with joy.
2. Singing Unifies the Church – Ever wonder why singing is the dominant art form in church? Singing is the easiest way to unify a large group of people.
3. God Commands it – The Word of God doesn’t suggest that we sing. It’s a command. “Sing to him a new song…” (Psalm 33:3).
4. God Sings – Our God is a singing God. “He will exult over you with loud singing…” (Zeph. 3:17).
5. Speaking isn’t Enough – The glory of God cannot simply be talked about. We need to sing.
6. Thinking isn’t Enough – The glory of God cannot simply be thought about and kept inside our minds. We need to sing.
7. Singing Helps Us Express our Worship – Great worship songs help us express ancient truths in fresh ways. They help us say what our hearts have always wanted to say.
8. Singing Engages the Full Range of our Emotions – Singing helps us express. It helps us engage our entire being in worship and praise to God.
9. Singing Truth Builds Faith – A regular rhythm of corporate singing is important. When life’s circumstances are overwhelming, singing God’s word builds our faith and reminds us of what is constant.
10. Music is an Essential Part of our Culture – Music is everywhere. Great music can assist us in reaching those who are far from God.
11. Music Reaches the Heart where Mere Debate Cannot – Music can reach the human spirit where mere debate cannot. It can soften our hearts and make us more receptive to the truth.
12. Singing Silences the Enemy – When the enemy tries to attack your life or church, the raised voice of faith in the promises of God will drive him away. “Let God arise, and His enemies be scattered…” (Psalm 68:1).
13. Singing Helps us Remember Truth – When you combine God’s Word with a catchy melody, it is much easier to remember and recall to mind God’s promises.
What else would you add? Why do you sing?
Let us know in the comments!
[ois skin=”Beyond Sunday 2″]
Bill Kunkel says
http://biblehub.com/psalms/40-3.htm
Psalm 40:3 “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.”
We sing publicly in response to what he has done for us. This is meant to be seen/heard by believers and unbelievers. It can cause others to consider His goodness and turn to Him.
David Santistevan says
Yes!
Rob Still says
Singing is natural, it’s what human beings do and have been doing … for eons. So when we lift our voices to God, we’re responding in a way congruent with our human nature.
David Santistevan says
Would you say it’s what God created us to do?
Bren McLean says
Great reminder, David. Thanks!
We need to forget our inhibitions and rejoice passionately in the glory of the Lord.
Notice how kids are happy to sing, dance, laugh, play in almost any situation? Oh, to have the faith of a child again…
David Santistevan says
So good, bro. One of the challenges of being a worshiper is keeping a childlike faith as we pursue Jesus.
jared says
a wonderful list. my opinion is that #3 should be #1 for it is most important. like many things, we may not understand why God asks of us what He does, but still we do it despite our misunderstanding.
Randall says
David–great stuff and great reminders as well! I’ll be using some of this to remind my worship team in the future plus I’m sharing it with my worship leader community as well. I agree with Bill’s addition–we sing because of what God has done not only for us but what He has done throughout history–testimony through song is very powerful!
David Santistevan says
Thanks for sharing, Randall!
amos bobai says
Singing heals the wounded heart. In fact there is power in singing
Mary khoviwa says
So touching and helpful