Singing matters to God. In fact, He goes as far as to command us to sing (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:18-19). That should lead us to consider just how important singing is and the role it should play in a believer's life.
Singing is such a normal part of church life that we can overlook thinking deeply about it. It is easy to absentmindedly join in on a chorus without understanding the depth of what is going on and what we have just entered into. But giving thought to the role of singing in the life of a believer will produce more robust and engaging times of worship through song.
WHEN WE SING, WE ARE OBEYING GOD
Singing spiritual songs is not simply an option we have; it is a command. Just like telling the truth or loving our neighbor as ourselves. It’s more than the worship leader inviting us to sing along.
When we sing, we are obeying God.
It doesn’t matter if you can sing the melody flawlessly, or if you sound like two animals fighting in an alley, God commands believers to sing. That should help us understand one of the roles singing should play in our lives—it is an opportunity to obey and please God. The fact that God commands believers to sing also points us towards understanding just how important it is.
WE ENCOURAGE OTHERS
When we join our voices together in the worship of God, we exhort those around us to do the same. As a song is sung in church, we are hearing confessions of faith from all around. There will be those who need to see and hear those confessions; there will be believers who need to be lifted up from a place of despair. For them, at this particular moment, life feels harsh and they find themselves in need of some encouragement to sing. They may need some help getting their eyes off of their problem and onto the character and nature of God. And your voice may be the one that provides it.
Additionally, a group of believers who passionately sing and worship together is naturally evangelistic. Unbelievers can witness genuine Christians exalt their Savior and sing testimonies about who God is and what He has done. Observing a group of Christians do this has a unique way of stirring an unbelievers heart.
WE ENCOURAGE OURSELVES
Corporate worship—especially singing songs—leads us to declare and proclaim truths that seem almost impossible to proclaim in and of our natural selves.
As we sing, our hearts and minds are lifted to what is higher than the temporary—the eternal.
When so much of our time can be focused on the temporary and on personal difficulties, corporate singing reminds us of what truly matters. As a result, our minds are renewed and we walk away with a more sincere trust in the Lord and His gospel.
SINGING HELPS THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL RICHLY IN YOU
In Colossians 3, Paul admonishes us to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly. He then lays out a couple of ways that happens. The first is teaching and second is singing!
Singing stands alongside preaching as one of the chief ways the truth of God takes deep root in our hearts.
Songs take the precious truths of God’s Word and delivers them in a format that is easy to memorize. They get stuck in our heads which eventually leads to truth being deposited in our hearts.
SINGING STRENGTHENS YOU
Paul and Silas find themselves unjustly put in prison in Acts 16. And what does Scripture tell us about how they spent their time behind bars? They prayed and sang! Singing can strengthen believers in the midst of trials and persecution. During those times it may feel as if you don’t have a reason to sing, but don’t stay silent and miss your chance to be strengthened.
SINGING GLORIFIES GOD
The Apostle John gives us a glimpse of heaven in Revelation 7:9-10. We are told that a great multitude that no one can number—people from every nation, tribe, and languages—are before the throne of the Lamb singing loudly, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Singing profoundly impacts us and can lead us to focus completely and entirely on God.
It grabs us, shakes us awake, and helps us overcome all the distractions that keep us from focusing on the Lord.