I recently chatted with a newcomer attending church for the first time. Curious about what to expect, I explained that we usually sing a few songs, etc. Afterwards, he told me that while he enjoyed the music, he hadn’t expected so many songs. His reaction made me reflect on how much time we spend singing in church, which led me to wonder – why do we sing so much?
Singing is not a new concept. The Bible is filled with nearly 200 songs! While there are too many to list, here are a few examples: Deborah and Barak sang after the defeat of Sisera (Judges 5), Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn after the Last Supper (Matthew 26), and Paul and Silas sang as they were imprisoned (Acts 16). Worship through singing is woven throughout Scripture, often as a response to when God’s people witness his power, goodness, and holiness.
Paul encourages us to let the word of Christ dwell richly within us by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16). Singing often complements preaching by making God’s word more memorable and allowing it to take root more deeply in our hearts. It strengthens our faith and can help us better understand who God is. I often say, “I wish I could remember Bible verses as easily as I remember song lyrics.” Thankfully, music condenses complex gospel truths into a brief yet powerful form. God designed melodies and music to stir our emotions in ways that words alone sometimes cannot. Singing can help us not only recall the truths about God but also deepen our love for him.
sing wholeheartedly and bring glory to the God who rejoices over you with singing
The Bible offers its own “playlist” in the book of Psalms, which encourages us to sing. It doesn’t say, “Let those who sing well, sing,” as if natural talent were a requirement to praise God. It simply calls us to “sing to the Lord” over and over again. We don’t sing because God needs our praise, but because our hearts were made to glorify him.
When we sing in church, we stand united as the body of Christ. Our praise is directed to God, but our singing also builds up his church. Paul urges us to “…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord…” (Ephesians 5:18-19). When we sing, we not only glorify God but also encourage and strengthen one another in faith.
The most beautiful instrument in any church is the sound of the congregation singing. God has given music to the gathered church so that together we can pray, praise, celebrate, lament, rejoice, and proclaim his word. Let me encourage you to sing wholeheartedly and bring glory to the God who rejoices over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).
