Recently we thought about how we should ‘Be Worshippers’, and one of the things we do when we worship together is sing! It’s a crucial part of our corporate worship, and so it is important to consider why and what we sing. This book is a useful tool to help us understand what the Bible says about singing and how we can use song to glorify God and encourage one another — both on a Sunday morning and throughout the week.
This book aims to protect us from simply ‘going through the motions’ when we sing; instead it encourages us to engage both heart and mind. It challenges the idea that singing is something for ‘me’ to enjoy and shows how biblical singing declares God’s greatness, strengthens the church, and acts as a witness to the world.
The book begins by giving three reasons why we should sing:
1. We are created to sing.
God designed us to sing and to enjoy the beauty and creativity of music.
2. We are commanded to sing.
Throughout Scripture we are told — like we are told to pray and read our Bibles — to sing because it is good for us and helps us point one another to Jesus.
3. We are compelled to sing.
Because of what Jesus has done for us, of all people on earth, Christians have the greatest reason to sing!
The second half of the book explores how singing positively impacts our personal spiritual lives, our families, our fellow believers, and those who don’t yet know Christ. Singing gospel truths continually lifts our eyes to Jesus and reminds us of our unity with Him and with one another. God can use our singing as a witness, stirring the hearts of those who have not yet come to faith.
Admittedly I am someone who enjoys singing anyway, but this book has had a big impact on me. I have been challenged to keep teaching my children songs filled with gospel truth that will stay with them for years. Singing together in church brings me greater joy as I’m reminded of the gospel and our shared family in Christ. I’ve also been prompted to pray that as we sing, others will be drawn to wonder at the hope we have — and long for that hope themselves.
Some of you may love singing; others may not. Either way, I would encourage you to read this book, because understanding what the Bible says about singing will help you love God more. As the book says:
“We do not worship the created art of singing; we worship Him. Don’t sing primarily because you love singing or keep quiet because you do not. Sing because you love Him who made you, and formed you, and enables you to sing.”
Whatever you sound like, we have a great God who is worthy of our praise and who loves to hear us sing.
Sarah Roberts, 25/07/2019