Explore the joy of singing, praying, and reading the Scriptures as forms of worship, and to encourage believers to express their faith in ways that reflect the Christ within them more than the culture around them.
Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. It's a blessing to gather here together with joyful hearts to praise our Lord.
I'm reminded of a quote from A.W. Tozer, who once said that, "Worship is no longer worship when it reflects the culture around us more than the Christ within us." Today, we'll dive into Psalm 98:1-5, exploring the joy of singing to God, the joy of praying to God, and the joy of reading the Scriptures.
Let's read the Scripture together:
"Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing."
Singing to God is not just an act of worship; it is a profound expression of joy, gratitude, and love towards our Creator. It is a spiritual practice that transcends the boundaries of language, culture, and even time itself. The joy of singing to God is a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, particularly in the book of Psalms, which is essentially a collection of songs and hymns dedicated to praising God.
Verse 1: The Psalmist in Psalm 98:1 invites us to "Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things." This verse not only encourages us to sing but to sing a new song. This suggests that our praise should not be monotonous or routine but should be fresh and vibrant, reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving relationship we have with God. Singing a new song to the Lord is a joyful expression of our recognition of God's ongoing work in our lives and in the world around us.
It allows us to participate in the divine: When we sing praises to God, we align ourselves with the heavenly chorus of angels who perpetually worship God in His heavenly kingdom. In this way, singing becomes more than just an act of worship; it becomes an experience of heaven on earth. It's a foretaste of the eternal joy and peace we will experience in God's presence when we finally meet Him face to face.
A means of expressing our emotions: It allows us to pour out our hearts to God, whether in joy or sorrow, in a way that mere words often fail to capture. The act of singing engages our whole being – our minds, our hearts, and our bodies. It's a holistic form of worship that brings us closer to God and deepens our relationship with Him.
Has a transformative effect on us: It has the power to lift our spirits when we're down, to calm our anxious hearts, and to fill us with hope and courage in the face of life's challenges. As we sing praises to God, we are reminded of His goodness, His faithfulness, His power, and His love. These reminders can fill us with joy and peace, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.
A communal activity that brings us together as believers: When we sing together in church, we are united in our love for God and our commitment to serve Him. This shared experience of worship strengthens our bonds with each other and enhances our sense of belonging and community.
Prayer, in its simplest form, is a conversation with God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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