WHY THE HEART SINGS

 

Thursday, October 28, 2021

 

WHY THE HEART SINGS

Ps 149:1

149 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

 

          Have you ever wondered why humans sing? We do – almost constantly. The word “sing” is found in the King James Version of the Bible 119 times and the word “song” is found 79 times. Yes, we sing! But why do we sing?

 

          We sing by design! God has given each of us the capacity to sing. I know a few people who would challenge that statement, but most people can and do sing if only in the shower. There is something about the human spirit that is predisposed to singing. It is expressive of the inner contents of the heart. If that is so perhaps there is no “good” or “bad” music – only good and bad hearts.

 

          Birds sing, coyotes howl and other creatures vocalize in some way. Creation was designed to sing. Jesus warned that, if believers were silenced, the very rocks would cry out in praise. (Luke 19:40)

 

          We sing for the joy of singing! Our emotions require expression and joy most often expresses itself in song.

 

We sing to teach! Music, gospel music, has a theological aspect to it. Words have meanings and we must carefully choose those words when others are listening.

 

          We sing to praise! The contemplation of God bursts forth from the dusty den of academic study to the brilliant glory of the choir. From the timpani sounds of a wooden spoon on a trash can lid to the mournful sounds of the viola, we offer praise. Have you ever tried to keep your toes from tapping when praising God?

 

Ps 42:8

8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for the wonderful gift of music. Let my heart rejoice all the day long. AMEN