By David Faust
TV pop star Dick Clark called music “the soundtrack of your life.” Martin Luther said, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”
I like church music that has a memorable melody, a hummable harmony, and a catchy rhythm, but I don’t care for songs with repetitious words, trite tunes, or questionable doctrines. If a song pulls my stubborn heart closer to the Lord, I don’t care if it’s old or new. If its words are consistent with Scripture and it has a singable tune, I can use it to praise the Lord.
Long ago, a worship leader wrote a song for God’s people to sing on the Sabbath day. The lyrics start with, “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 92:1). What is so good about praising God in song?
Musical Praise in the Gathered Church
Congregational singing encourages involvement. It gives everyone a voice in the service, changing us from sideline spectators and critics to active, involved performers.
Congregational singing demonstrates unity. “Corporate worship” happens when members of the body (“corpus”) of Christ voice our collective praise to the Lord, literally harmonizing like a choir. Quarrels over church music create disharmony at the very time when the harmony of God’s people should be most evident.
Congregational singing confesses faith. It strengthens my confidence in God when I join other believers to sing a classic hymn like “How Great Thou Art” or a newer song like the one that says, “I will look up for there is none above You; I will bow down to tell You that I need You; . . . I will look back and see that You are faithful; I look ahead believing You are able.”
Congregational singing expresses emotion. Even if you love God, life is filled with ups and downs, so the book of Psalms voices a wide range of emotions. Some of these ancient songs speak of courage: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). Others express despondency and despair: “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck” (Psalm 69:1). Some cheerfully exhort, “Shout for joy to God, all the earth!” (Psalm 66:1). Others convey profound sorrow and loss: “By the rivers of Babylon we sat down and wept” (Psalm 137:1). Whatever emotions we bring with us to church, music can express our feelings and remind us that God remains constant despite our changing moods.
Musical Praise in the Morning and Evening
Music helps us proclaim God’s “love in the morning” and his “faithfulness at night” (Psalm 92:2). Worship shouldn’t be restricted to weekend church services, but should continue throughout the week. The psalmist reminds us to wake up in the morning praising God for his love and settle into bed at night remembering God’s faithfulness.
In the “morning” of life when you are young and vigorous, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). When old age moves you toward the “evening” of your life, you can still “flourish in the courts of our God” and “still bear fruit in old age” (Psalm 92:13-14). In every stage of life, God’s praise should be the soundtrack.
Personal Challenge: What are your favorite worship songs? On a piece of paper or in your personal journal, list the top 10 (or 20!) songs that help you praise God. Keep this list handy so you can incorporate these songs into your personal devotions.
I’ll Fly Away is my favorite