Why We Should Still Be Singing
For the past couple of weeks church pastors and leaders have been working to lead their congregation in worship of the Lord while coming to terms with the impacts of COVID-19. Churches this Sunday will gather through online technology and some have opted to offer drive-in style services. I believe the people of God will have increased opportunities to be salt and light, to serve others, and to share the Gospel as our neighbors, communities, and indeed the nations around the world need hope that is found only in Jesus Christ.
But, why should we still be singing? Think about families like mine and yours who will be in our family rooms gathered for an online worship service or sitting in a car for a drive-in worship service. For a few weeks it may seem novel, but I am longing to be with the people of God – in person.
The reality is not much different for preachers and worship leaders either. Last week I preached for one of our churches, hundreds of empty seats stared back at me. The week before I had the privilege of being one of the ten hosting the online worship service for my home church – but still, we are all missing being together and hearing the praises of His people filling the room where we all normally gather.
So, why should we sing this Sunday, and any other day for that matter? In reading Psalms devotionally and prayerfully, Psalm 33 answered that question for me today: here are six reasons to sing praises to the Lord…
1. Praise the Lord for His goodness.
For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. Psalm 33:4–5
2. Praise the Lord for His power over creation.
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. Psalm 33:6–9
3. Praise the Lord for His sovereignty.
The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! Psalm 33:10–12
4. Praise the Lord for His omniscience.
The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned, he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. Psalm 33:13–15
5. Praise the Lord for His omnipotence.
The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Psalm 33:16–17
6. Praise the Lord for His protection.
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Psalm 33:18–22
Let’s all keep singing.
Your brother in Christ,
BRIAN AUTRY