The Essentiality of Singing

By: Ben F Vick

One of the great privileges of worshipping God is singing. It is not limited to those who have beautiful voices, but all Christians are to sing. Paul wrote, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19). Paul was writing to the church at Ephesus; so, these words were for the whole church. When would it have been carried out? It was when the church came together to worship God. On occasions, I have noticed some in the congregation were not singing. It might have been the case that one was having difficulty with his voice; so, he could not sing. In the last year or so, I have struggled with my voice; the speech therapist even told me to not sing for a while; yet, I am thankful that my voice seems to be improving. I appreciated all the prayers on my behalf.

Yes, singing is a privilege, but it is also a duty. It is just as much a part of our worship as the Lord's supper on the first day of the week, of our prayers or our giving. On the first Sunday night of the month, we worship in song. It seems that there are some who do not feel an obligation to be at this service, perhaps because they think it is not as important as the preaching of God's word. Such is wrong. Why would one think that it is not important to praise God? Our singing is to the Lord. So, why would one think it unnecessary to sing to the Lord? If I want to please the Lord, why would I shirk this dutiful privilege? In the Revelation, John describes a heavenly scene: "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Revelation 5:9).

Singing is another form of teaching. Paul in similar language wrote to the church at Colosse: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Colossians 3:16). In singing spiritual songs, we are teaching and admonishing one another. Granting some poetic license, our songs need to be scriptural, because we are teaching each other in our songs. We do not want to sing a lie any more than preach one.

There are many types of spiritual songs. Some songs are to praise; some are instructional; some are to motivate us; and some are meditative. There is a need for all of them. We read of a variety of psalms in the book of Psalms. The songs selected may fit the occasion. I do not know what hymn Jesus and the apostles sang before they went to the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:30). It may have been one to strengthen Jesus and the apostles for what lay ahead. Though Jesus knew he was soon to go to the cross, he sang.

I wonder what songs Paul and Silas sang the night they had been beaten and put into that Philippian jail (Acts 16:25)? We know the prisoners heard them. Maybe the jailer also heard them. The text does not say. Do you suppose that they were singing dirges, a prelude to their own funerals? No, Luke by inspiration tells us that they "sang praises unto God." Rather than blaming God for their awful circumstances, they were praising God from whom all blessings flow. My, what faith they exemplified! Uh, what did you say your reason was for not singing? Let us count our blessings, name them one by one.

James inquires: "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14). Have you ever been in such a good mood that you just started singing? We sing when we are happy. Christians have many reasons for being the happiest people on earth. Our sins have been washed away by the blood of Christ. We enjoy sweet redemption (Colossians 1:13-14). Songs of joy should not be sung like funeral marches! Preachers have been told to either put some fire into their sermons, or put their sermons into the fire. The same could be said of some songs. Joyful songs need to be sung full of joy. Marching songs need to be sung not as trudging songs! This may be on the song leader, or it might be on the congregation which drags the song. Let each of us keep up. Let us sing with enthusiasm...

Lois (my wife) usually "borrows" a child or two during worship to sit with her. I sit right in front of her. During the singing, I hear some of the children singing as they sit beside her. It always brings a smile to me to hear the children sing. If children are not singing, it is because their parents are not singing with them at home. Even though the children get the words wrong form time to time (so do adults) they sing out. I remember when Thomas (my son) was young, sitting beside me during worship. He would really belt out the song, Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah. In the chorus, he would miss a word. He would sing, "And His glory is exhausted," rather than "And His glory is exalted."

We used to pick up Jason and McKenzie Ryan for church when they were very young. Their mother was Hope who just passed away a few days ago. At the funeral last week, Jason, who is now 17 years old, saw one of our song leaders, Gene Browning. As soon as Jason saw him, he went up to Gene and said, "I remember you. You used to lead number 1," which in our old song book was, Holy, Holy Holy. Children do not forget. Songs are indelibly stamped upon their hearts. It is a great way to learn.

So let us make a joyful noise unto the Lord in song.