keep singing

By Diana Rose (WITHIN Devotional Contributor) 
​“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.” -Psalm 104:33


Singing is pleasurable and powerful, and it provokes a deep emotional response in us. We sing by ourselves as well as with others. Singing is versatile and appropriate in a multitude of settings. Holidays are an occasion for singing, as are significant life events and milestones. We sing when we’re celebrating as well as when we’re grieving. 
While I do enjoy singing, I have no formal education in the art, nor am I skilled at it. My lungs are untrained, my diaphragm is weak and my ear cannot distinguish between soprano or alto. Singing may not come naturally to me, but as a follower of Christ I am compelled to sing to the Lord out of gratitude for what he has done for me, and for the joy of being in relationship with him. 
The Lord commands us to sing. 
PSALM 96: 1-5 
“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.” 
The Bible makes it clear, singing is both a blessing and an act of worshipful obedience. It is a blessing because of the object of our song, the Lord, our Lord. Unlike secular music with its focus on man, the song of our hearts is to center on Christ, in whom our redemptive relationship rests. Singing to the Lord is an act of obedient worship because he is a great and mighty God worthy of our praise. He is to be feared! We sing to the Lord because our song is due him both for who he is, and the great things he has done! 
If you are a child of God, sing because of Jesus! 
Sing! A child is born! 
Love came down! The Lord himself condescended, and removed his royal robes putting on a robe of flesh that he might clothe all who would believe in his righteousness. We have hope in Christ! Covid will not stop us from singing to our Savior during Christmas. We will lift up our voices in spite of lockdowns and curfews. We will praise him in Zoom meetings and on FaceTime calls. 
Sing! He is risen! 
Death could not hold him and the grave could not keep him. We have victory in Christ! Our struggles may continue, but so will our song! Our pain may pierce, but as with Paul and Silas, so will our voices. The battle may rage, but we will continue to sing to the one who overcame.
Sing! He is coming back! 
There is coming a day! A happy day, a sweet day, when we shall see him as he is in all of his glory! We will be complete in Christ! Keep singing of his promises. Keep singing of his faithfulness. Keep singing of his everlasting love! 
“When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and all he has done for me. My soul cries out, ‘hallelujah, praise God for saving me!’” 
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the gift of song. God help us to employ it in worshipful obedience. May we sing of your goodness while we have being. In Jesus name amen! 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:

Psalm 104:33
Psalm 81:1
Psalm 92:1
Psalm 96
 
Questions to Reflect on:

1. What song will you sing to the Lord today?