Just listen to these instructions we find in Psalms:

Psalm 33:3 – Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

Psalm 42:4 – These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.

Psalm 81:1 – Sing for joy to God our strength; Shout joyfully to the God of Jacob.

Psalm 95:1 – O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.

Psalm 100:1 – Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.

Psalm 118:15 – The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous;

Psalm 5:11 – But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You.

Psalm 47:1 – O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy.

Psalm 98:4 – Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises.

Psalm 35:27 – Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; And let them say continually, “The LORD be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.”

Psalm 66:1-2 – Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious.

…..There are more, but I think you get the idea. It is clear that God has always wanted His people to be a people that sing…
not just sing, but sing together…
and not just sing together, but sing LOUDLY!

SINGING IS GOOD FOR US

Science is just now starting to discover why singing is important.  Did you know that when we sing (SING OUT that is), it enables us to breathe deeper.  It oxygenates our blood and our minds making us feel better. The vocal tones create vibrations that soothe our minds.  And, as we sing out, our brains release chemicals that help us overcome anxiety and fear.

SINGING IS A SYMBOL of SPIRIT & TRUTH

Jesus said that the Father is looking for people to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.  Singing enables to access almost every part of our brain. We combine the communication/logical part of our brain with the creative/emotional side of our brain.  So we are not only communication Truth, we are infusing it with emotion as we sing out.

SINGING TOGETHER MAKES US ONE

But the benefits do not stop there.  There are even more benefits when we sing together.  As we begin to sing together in the same place, our heartbeats literally begin to synchronize together.  As we sing with one voice, we begin breathing together and are heart rhythms join together as well. What neuroscience has recently found is that singing in groups triggers the release of serotonin and oxytocin, the bonding hormone.  In other words we bond as a family. Singing helps us realize that we are one in Christ–a family–adopted sons and daughters.

What I like the most, is that it doesn’t matter the skill level.  We all receive these benefits (spiritual and physical) whether you’ve been nominated for a Grammy or not!  It is only important that we sing out with a thankful heart.

WORSHIP HELPS US FULFILL THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus said to love the Lord your God will all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  He went on to say and to love your neighbor as yourself. Mar 12:30   When we worship we are literally fulfilling these commands.  We are using our mind to sing the words of our heart. We are putting our bodies under subjection of the Spirit. And as we do this, we are encouraging those around us.  They see our song and many will trust in the Lord. Psa 40:3

THE AMERICAN CHURCH TODAY
I think the greatest tragedy of the American church in the age of the selfie, is that we are too self conscious to actually worship.  We are more concerned about what we look like or what others think about us, that we forget to ask what God thinks. Mat 10:28 We don’t want to look like a fanatic or too crazy.  But read the news, the world already thinks we are crazy…we might as well lean into it. 🙂   What we are left with are congregations that hold onto the seat in front of them and barely open their mouths to read the lyrics on the screen in front of them.  

I have begun to ask myself, “If someone sees me worship, will they know that I believe what I am singing.”  Anything less is hypocritical of me. I DO believe every word I am singing. I may have moments of doubt or confusion, but I have based my life and eternal soul on one fact…that Jesus was the Son of God who died to take away my sin.


LET’S WORSHIP DIFFERENTLY

This Sunday, I pray that we not just go through the motions, but we give him EVERYTHING because He is worthy.  As we put our heart, mind, soul and strength in Him, all “these benefits” Psa 103:2  are added.  Let us not forget that.  Let us not forget the beauty of assembling together. Heb 10:25 Worship is a link between earth and heaven.  It is one thing we can do now that we will also be doing throughout eternity.