Sing to the Lord!

Everywhere in the book of Psalms, we see some variation of “Shout for joy!” or “Praise be to God!” There isn’t a chapter that goes by where the Psalmist doesn’t stop to thank God for all His blessings and even for things yet to come. We know that, at least for the early parts, the book of Psalms was penned by David, the man considered to be the greatest king of all time. I find this so fascinating because throughout the books of Kings, Chronicles and Samuel we see that David’s life wasn’t always easy. He was pursued by Saul’s armies unfairly, he endured suffering and turmoil after sinning with Bathsheba and most times he was occupied in gruesome battles. I find it hard to believe that he always felt like praising.

One story I particularly like is in 2 Chronicles 20. King Jehoshaphat is informed that he’s going to be attacked by a huge army of Ammonites and Moabites and immediately turns to the LORD. He orders a fast for all of Judah and asks God for wisdom and direction. In verse 12 he says, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” I can imagine everyone in the nation was extremely nervous. They must have been waiting apprehensively for God’s word, praying and believing. I’m sure no one could have anticipated His instructions though: the LORD explains that the battle is not theirs to fight but His and that if they will trust Him and only worship, He’d wipe out the enemy. Jehoshaphat, being wise, decides to obey and appoints men to praise God - by the time they look towards the battlefield, their enemies are defeated.

To me, this story is extremely powerful because it highlights two things that God esteems highly: obedience and praise. Jehoshaphat was a mighty king who likely had fought in hundreds of battles using tactics and strategy. The command to sing to the LORD was altogether strange and doubtless many people must have been sceptical - regardless he had faith and turned his eyes upon the Father, as a result, he experienced unquestionable triumph. Even though he was a mighty king with countless victories under his belt he humbled himself before God and obeyed. That’s the mark of a true leader. However, another important aspect of this account is the fact that all the mighty warriors had to do was praise. All they did was sing. They worshipped and exalted God and they confused their enemies. I really love how unconventional God can be. Sometimes He’ll do things that just make no sense to show you that it doesn’t matter what the situation looks like, He is God forever and always.

God telling Jehoshaphat’s army to sing to Him was very significant because there’s a different kind of blessing and anointing that’s released when we sing. Prayer is wonderful and by all means, we should pray consistently and continuously - in fact, the Bible says we should “pray without ceasing” (Thessalonians 5:17) However, when we sing and praise God, for what He’s done and what He’s going to do, for His faithfulness and for Who He is, we draw close to His heart in a more intimate and special way than ever before. The Bible says David was a man after God’s own heart and this is because he praised the LORD on his own. In the field with his father’s sheep David truly became close to his Father in Heaven and learned to fellowship with the heart of God. David was a man after God’s own heart because learned to sing and praise when no one was watching; he wrote many Psalms when he was all alone. By doing so, he became close to the heart of God and reaped abundant blessings.

When we sing for joy, our hearts are gladdened. When we’re weary, we’re renewed, when we’re sad we are strengthened and when we’re afraid all our fears are drowned in His overwhelming love. It’s truly amazing. I don’t think God commands us to do anything arbitrarily, He created us and He knows how our minds, hearts and bodies work. If we can trust anyone to know what’s best for us it’s Him. If He tells us to sing to Him then I’m sure He knows what He’s talking about. I used to believe that singing to God was something that happened in church, there was a specific time and place for that and besides, what good did singing really do anyway? I had to change my mindset on giving glory to God because, yes, it’s important to sing with other believers but the Bible never commands us to only sing when we’re together. Conversely, it urges us to praise God at all times, when we’re grieving and when we can’t contain our joy.

I’ve discovered that sometimes we just have to trust God blindly. As I grow closer to God I almost have a craving to sing and be in His presence because there’s an ambience and a peace that’s unmatched. Psalm 92:1-2 (NIV) says, “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night,” This shows us just how wonderful it feels to praise God. We begin to feel like we want to praise all the time! This is a wonderful place to be because our hearts become sensitive to His leading and His voice reaches in a way it hasn’t before. It’s a truly precious experience that I encourage you to pursue. When you begin to feel like you’re under pressure and your heart is heavy, sing to the LORD. Thank Him for what He’s already done and believe in Him even when it’s hard. You have to be resolved, be obstinate in your stance not to give up. You will certainly receive the joy of the LORD. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”​​ It’s impossible to tap into true joy if you don’t offer Him your thanksgiving and praise.

Become persistent in praise, thank God through the good times and the bad. He will give you all you need and once you get a taste of His presence there is nowhere else you’d rather be. Go ahead and sing to the LORD today!

“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvellous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.” Psalm 96:1-4 (NIV)