God loves to hear us sing to Him. In fact He likes to sing right back to us. (See Zephaniah 3:17) Singing has always been a big part of worship in my life. I grew up singing hymns at the start and end of church services. These became “praise songs” which I guess are less formal or more modern. Now churches often have a whole “worship team” with a band that performs. It’s all good. Well, it’s good as long as the singing really is participatory and my heart’s song is aimed at God in worship. When there is a worship team, it’s really easy to fall into the habit of letting them do the worship for me. I just watch and listen or tune out if it’s not my favorite song. Today’s verse reminds me how far away this is from what God loves. He wants to hear from me! Even if I can’t carry a tune, He wants me to contemplate who He is and rejoice! Blurt it out! He wants me to remember all He’s done and thank Him with my voice. Even in the midst of sorrow and struggle, maybe especially in the midst of sorrow and struggle, He wants me to reach for His promises of love, hope, and peace that beautiful praise songs and old hymns can provide. I still fondly remember many of the hymns from my childhood. They are a great comfort like this psalm was to David as revealed in today’s verse.
Dear God,
Today I joyfully proclaim your faithful love as David did in this psalm. Even though he was hunted by enemies he sang with joyful gusto. Remind me how rejuvenating praising you through song can be. I’m sorry for letting better singers “worship for me.” Bring to my mind songs I need to sing right now, or totally new songs to sing to you.
CamDevo 