I’ll admit it. I’ve been ragging on 2020. Who hasn’t? Worst year ever! I mean, could things get any worse?
And then Psalm 118:24 convicted my heart: “This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
It occurred to me that this is the YEAR the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
It’s a little difficult to rejoice during a pandemic, and in protests, politics, wildfires, natural disasters, global climate change… the list goes on. Yet, is God on the throne or is He not?
I had to go back to something I taught years ago that God wanted me to relearn.
In all things, sing.
In First Thessalonians 5:18, we’re told: “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (NASB). In other words: In all things, sing.
Singing brings a smile to our faces. We tend to sing when we’re happy. But singing when we’re stressed or discouraged or depressed…now that can help pick us up and keep us in perspective. Praising God in our pain, during a pandemic, and in the middle of confusion and chaos? That is godliness.
That’s because singing is biblical. That’s right. Singing is the most reiterated command in the Bible. Throughout Scripture, we’re told to sing:
- “Sing to the Lord, you saints of his…” (Psalm 30:4)
- “Sing praises to God, sing praises…” (Psalm 47:6)
- “Come before Him with joyful songs.” (Psalm 100:2)
- “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord…” (Ephesians 5:19)
God knew that when we sing, it lifts our hearts, lightens our load, and puts us in perspective. In fact, He told us to sing in all circumstances, as a way of keeping us full of praise, instead of fighting pressure.
In All Things Sing
When I was hurt by a situation in ministry years ago, I played a CD and sang a song about how God carries me. While I was on my way to an appointment I was dreading, because I figured it would be another situation in ministry which wouldn’t go well, I began to sing “I love You, Lord” and realized that the situation I was about to enter was a “sacrifice of praise.” Though I didn’t look forward to the appointment, I headed into it with a heart of obedience. (In all things, sing.) Once when I was frustrated with my husband (about something that was really my fault, I’m sure!), I started to sing, and that reminded me of Who was in control.
How does singing help energize you when you’re discouraged, depressed, or running on empty?
- Singing lifts your spirits.
- Singing exercises your vocal chords, and thereby helps you with your breathing.
- Singing is a form of expression and expressing your feelings is healthier than keeping them bottled up inside.
- Singing is a form of praise, which helps put all of life in the right perspective.
The Results of Singing
When we sing throughout the day, we become less focused on our troubles. When we sing, we lift up others as well. And when we sing, we are obediently telling God that no matter what this day (or year) holds, we are choosing to praise Him. When we sing in our suffering (or stress), praise Him in our pain, and lift up our voices under the weight of our burdens, we are obediently offering to God a sacrifice of praise that puts us in perspective and lightens our load. Remember the last part of First Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances [in all things sing], for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It couldn’t be said any plainer. God’s will is that we learn to sing in everything…the good, the bad, the mundane, the marvelous. By singing in everything, we are acknowledging Who is in control and living that way. We’re keeping a spring in our step and a song in our hearts because we are at peace, not drowning under the pressure.
How much lighter our day would be if we had the motto: “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” (Psalm 104:33)!
Keep your soul fresh, by keeping a song in your heart. In all things, sing.
For more tips on how to keep emotionally, mentally and physically healthy during times of stress, uncertainty or well, a pandemic – see my book, When You’re Running on Empty, on sale for just $10.99 each through the end of September (or while supplies last).
Hi Cindi, this was so encouraging. I am trying to sing with a few tears.
I see your next post is “Does it feel like God is delaying your dream”.
I want God to give me a miracle and heal my right eye. I told you
about it a few weeks back in an email. I am trying so hard to let
God be God and rest in what I have to.
Thanks so much.
Linda Harrison
I’m glad you were encouraged, Linda. Keep your eyes (both of them) on Him. He has His eyes on you. 🙂
I love this reminder, thank you! I love to sing. When my mood is even or “up”, with music everything feels lighter (we listen to worship, contemporary Christian…my girls are lately selecting Christian rap!) . I love also how when I’m distraught, sad, all things ‘down’ it can help me release those feelings; be cleansed by tears and begin to guide my heart to a better place. I think now is the perfect time to turn on the tunes as we get ready to transition to lunch break.
Yes if we can’t sing the praises ourselves, we can at least listen to it first and it will pull us into a mode of praising Him ourselves. 🙂
Singing to the Lord is such a wonderful experience and lifts up our hearts to praise Him for all He’s done. I forget that He commands us to sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord. Thanks for the reminder and whenever I feel discouraged, I’ll sing out a song to Him in praise. Just listened to “It is well with my Soul,” which comforted me and gave me hope for my heart.
Thanks for sharing that experience, Kathy. 🙂
Exactly what I needed to read today!
I’m glad it spoke to you where you most needed it. Thanks for saying so, Shonda.
This was a very enlightening and inspiring article. It reminds me that no matter what is going on in my life or in the world around me. I can still sing praises to God who is the creator of everything. He loves me and he is working everything out for my good because he knows my beginning and end. Yes, I will sing praises to God because he is in control of everything the good, the bad, the ugly, the chaotic, the tragic and even though Miraculous!! Praise God🙏🏾
Thank you so much for those encouraging words, Annette. Blessings to you.
I love to sing. I don’t have the gift of a beautiful voice, but I do believe God smiles when I sing His praises. I especially love listening to and singing worship songs.
Thanks, Melissa. I’m so glad God doesn’t tell us to necessarily “sing”on tune. What He wants is our hearts full of gratitude and praise.
Several years ago I lost a dear friend in an auto accident. My grief was unbearable and seem to be unending. I thought I would never stop crying. but I knew I needed to get back to living. When the sadness hit and it hit hard and often, I began singing this old song. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name i know, fills my every longing. keeps me singing as I go. Singing this helped me go through my days of grief so much easier. i now use it during any times of unrest. And I too cannot carry a tune. I am sure the Holy Spirit filters my off key notes and makes my voice a sweet sound unto my Lord.
Thank you, Donna, for sharing how that beautiful song has kept you in a perspective of praise, regardless of your circumstances.
Something difficult happened last night but I was still praising God today at work today and thanking Him for His promises. Praise the Lord that He never abandons us ~ He always encourages us and gives us hope. I love how you said, “this is the YEAR the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
Your writing is so encouraging and refreshing, Cindi! 🙂
Thank you, Amber, for your comment. It’s great to hear from you again and I so appreciate your encouraging words. Keep praising Him in all things. 🙂
I can not carry a tune … not even a tad.
I’ve asked God to give me the ability to sing. I would love to praise him with more then my off tune voice. He made me how he wanted me. I know I’m not obedient wishing I was different.
I wish for prayers for a singing voice. I believe God wanted me to. But I guess even a squeak/ squaky voice is a joyful noice. But how I’d love to sing.. I see the pleasure it brings folks. Please pray that for me . Jennie .. canada
Thank you for a wonderful post Cindi, as through your transparency, once again, I am fed<3 I totally agree, singing is key! I listen to worship music throughout my day when I can, but keep it running through my head when I can't. I pair singing with joy. And God calls us to be joyful in all circumstances. Sometimes a tall order I know, but God carries me when I struggle and I feel the joy to sing His praises just knowing He does:-)