Delight in the Lord: Worship and gratitude

Our first theme in the Delight in the Lord series is worship and gratitude. In this entry, I want to unpack the first half of that (worship) and discover ways that our singing in worship can help us delight in the Lord.

Singing to worship

Did you know that God has a passion for singing? In Psalms 96:1-3 the writer says: “Oh sing to the Lord a new song. Sing to the Lord all the earth … tell of His salvation from day to day.” The Bible contains over 400 references to singing and 50 direct commands to sing. We’re commanded twice in the New Testament to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). [1]

While there are unlimited ways to worship God, as we can see few are encouraged more than putting words to song. Why? Why does God so often tell us not simply to praise Him but to sing His praises? Why not just pray and preach? Why sing? Why are God’s people throughout history always singing? Why words and music and not just words alone? Why does God want us to sing???

Why does God want us to sing?

The first reason I believe is simply that God Himself sings. In Zephaniah 3:17, God exalts over His people “with loud singing.” What a beautiful picture, God singing over me! Jesus sang as well. On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus sang hymns with His disciples (Matthew 26:30). Why does God want us to sing? I think it starts with the fact that we worship a triune God who sings, and He wants us to be like Him! [1]

Secondly, so that we might delight in the Lord!

Two ways that singing helps us delight

1) Singing helps us remember God’s truths. Finish this sentence and melody: “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now I’m _______________________ .”

Lyrics can remind us of God’s incredible character and faithfulness. Recalling truths can sooth our worries, assure us of His promises and release us to believe, trust and celebrate the goodness of God.

It’s important however that we choose to sing words that God wants us to remember. It not only matters that we sing; it matters what we sing. And the words we sing have a far greater impact on us than most of us are aware. [1]

2) Singing releases our emotions to God. In every culture and age, song is a language of emotion. It expresses, arouses, and speaks to our feelings. Music is capable of moving us in subtle and profound ways—in anticipated and unexpected ways—with or without words. [1]

Have you ever had a song bring you to tears as you remember God’s grace? Or stir you to lift your hand to testify to His goodness? God is always worthy of our highest, purest, and strongest emotions. Singing songs of worship helps express and ignite them—it releases us to delight in the Lord!

Worship that delights

While singing songs of praise to God are a common aspect of Christian culture, church, and radio today, it doesn’t mean we are delighting in the Lord. I think it is possible to worship and not delight. It’s a tragedy, but true (Malachi 1:6-14). If our worship is not changing us, if it is not drawing us deeper into the love of God, we likely aren’t delighting in the Lord while doing it. Our delight in the Lord should make us alive—make us flourish. I believe that is what true worship is expected to do (John 4:23-24).

Making your worship fresh again

Is making a joyful noise unto the Lord a regular part of your life? Are you delighting in God while doing it? Maybe you find it easy to delight in the Lord through song. If so, awesome! Keep it up. For those of you who might struggle a bit and need some fresh ideas, here are some thoughts!

1) Try changing your style. Sometimes a different genre of music or even tempo of music can speak something fresh to you. If you regularly listen to contemporary worship songs, try changing it up and listening to some classic hymns and vice verse. Throughout the generations God has spoken to His people in song. Delight in what He spoke 200 years ago and marvel in the reality that the same promise stands true today.

2) Sing a new song. Do some research and find a new song that you aren’t aware of. There are thousands of artists producing amazing work across a wide spectrum of styles every year. Worship together is a great website that has thousands of songs. You can sort by theme or tempo and they have many of the latest songs available to listen to.

3) Find new ways to listen. Here is what I mean by that: Listen in headphones, listen in the car, listen when you walk, listen alone, listen while you cook. Finding a new way or time to listen can be a change in routine that ignites your delight in God.

4) Know what you sing. How many times do you sing a song and not really understand or know the lyrics? I know that I am guilty of that. Recently I took a hymn and sat down to read and “study” the lyrics. Wow, how the promises of God came alive. Take a moment to really understand the lyrics, and I assure you, next time you sing it, you will sing it with new perspective.

5) Give yourself shortcuts. Don’t make it hard on yourself. Put together a playlist of songs that speak to you. Maybe they vary depending on your mood or location. Maybe they vary depending on styles or theme. Either way, find some songs, stick them into a playlist and help yourself by making it easy to listen and sing.

I believe God wants you to flourish! As leaders your wholistic health and capacity to flourish is tied to your ability to find ways to delight in the Lord. May God continue to shape each of you as you sing for the Lord and delight in His goodness.

[1] https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/words-of-wonder-what-happens-when-we-sing

Photo by Edwin Andrade on Unsplash