“He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 40:3, ESV)
There is something about song and being filled with the Spirit. Spirit and song go together. In Ephesians 5:18 it says, “be filled with the Spirit.” That statement is then further qualified with:
“addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,” (Ephesians 5:19, ESV)
A mark of the Spirit is to have a song in your heart. If you have a song in your heart, inevitably that song will come out. It will be at the tip of your lips. You will find yourself singing while you drive in the car, when you do work around the house, and as you are taking a walk around the neighborhood.
I always find it interesting how after encountering the Lord in Word and Sacrament during worship on Sunday morning I will often be left with a song stuck in my head. I find myself humming or singing that song all throughout the day. I can’t help but think that song is there because of the encounter with God’s Spirit.
The Psalms are full of directives to sing. We are told to sing new songs and old songs. We sing songs of joy and praise along with songs of sorrow and lament. Nevertheless, we are told to sing.
Have you ever been in a church that sings? I am talking about a church that really sings. It is a beautiful thing. It is so powerful because it gives us a glimpse of heaven. All throughout the Book of Revelation, the people of God break out in song in the presence of the Lord (Revelation 4:10-11).
I believe that one of the reasons “song” so powerfully connected with the presence of the Spirit is that the Spirit causes us to let go of our inhibitions. Some people like to sing in front of others. But for many of us, our singing voice has something to be desired. God calls us to make a joyful noise (see Psalm 98:4 and 110:1). It doesn’t say make a beautiful noise. We might be embarrassed by our voice. We are reluctant to sing. But when the Spirit enters in, the song will come out. It doesn’t matter what anyone else might think. All that matters is my desire to please the Lord.
The Spirit of God at work will loosen our tongues. He will raise our hands (Psalm 134:2). He will make us dance (Psalm 149:3). Our bodies will move in praise towards him. If the Spirit of God fills you, it is impossible to keep from praising him.
I will leave you today with a bit of trivia: Do you know the last thing Jesus and his disciples did before they went to the Garden of Gethsemane? You guessed it. They sang a song (see Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26)! It’s time to start singing.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you agree that the presence of the Spirit and song go together?
- How do you express the song on your heart?
- Describe a time where you were left uninhibited to praise the Lord.
- Share your comments?
Kristine says
I will walk by faith is the song I’m singing all day!
dominique bovard says
I have read hundreds and hundreds of time the New Testament, but I never noticed Jesus and the disciples left for the garden of Gethsemane singing a hymn ( song). Something to think about !!!!
Betty says
One of my favorite songs, especially in the morning is ” Rise and Shine and give God your glory, glory!!” It is a great way to start the day!,