Many feel that singing in church is optional while others excuse themselves because they don't have any talent. Our decision to sing at church should be based on our desire to please God. We are created in God's image and we know that God enjoys and participates in musical activity. He has created us with that ability as well. Psalm 33:1 tells us that praise is "comely" or beautiful for the upright. Psalm 147:1 says praise is "comely" for the Lord. Note the correlation between the words "singing" and "praise" in this verse. The majority of verses in the Bible that speak of our "singing" refer to "singing praise to God." The purpose then of singing is to praise God - there is no room left for selfish pleasure.
"Praise" as defined in Hebrews 13:15 is the "fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." We praise God by thanking Him for who He is and for His goodness. Read Psalm 107 and note that this phrase is used four times in that chapter - "Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" Then read Psalm 98:1 which says "O sing unto the Lord a new song, for he hath done marvelous things." What better way to remember God's personal works than through our songs! For example, the hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness" reminds us of God's faithfulness to us personally.
Why do we sing in a public worship service? In singing we are reminded of God's person and wonderful works in our lives. The great hymn writer, Isaac Watts, wrote this poem we know as "I Sing the Mighty Power of God" in 1715:
"I sing the mighty power of God that made the mountains rise;
That spread the flowing seas abroad and built the lofty skies"
When you sing these words, do you think about the God who can create and sustain the world we live in? How much more then he has the power to help us in our daily lives!
Notes taken from a book on music written by Tim Fisher
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