Sing?

Sing, sing, sing…

How often in scripture are we encouraged and even commanded to lift our voices in song?

“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.” (Psa.33:1)

“Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. (Psa. 47:6)

“Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds- his name is the Lord – and rejoice before him.” (Psa68:4)

Music is such a gift to us – and one that we can use to return our offerings of praise and thanks.

Music can bring comfort and encourage.

Music can sound the battle cry and signal victory.

Music can unify us as we lift our voices together.

Music is the sound of praise.

Offering praise even through music can be a sacrifice though…when the lifting of my voice does not come easily…when the words and melody catch in my throat…when it is quite simply an act of the will…an act of obedience…I will sing…

There are times…days…seasons, when the music stops. When it is just not possible.

“By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps, for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?” (Psa. 137:1-4)

A time of captivity. Maybe you have had one. Maybe you are in one.

Though it may seem to go on forever, remember…it is not a forever thing!

Remember God’s words through Jeremiah… “I know the plans I have for you…” (Jer. 29:11)…those words were to these people at this time…these people in captivity…the ones who sat down and wept and hung their harps on the trees.

Now, listen to this Psalm:

“When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (Psa. 126:1-3)

The captivity ended.

Yours will too.

But…while you are there…while you walk the valley, know that God has a plan…even in the moments when you are sitting by the river weeping. If you have hung your harp on a tree thinking that you can never sing again….well there are promises…even for that!

“…weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psa. 30:5b)

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” (Psa. 40:3a)

Morning follows night. Always!

He will put a new song in your mouth!

Ruth U.