HappySample

Sing a song The digital music explosion has been a huge blessing for Christians--never before have we had access to so many kinds of sacred music for our home audio systems, smart devices, and cars. And yet there is a risk--I fear that the more music we have to listen to, the less able we become of making our own. God gave us throats, lungs, lips, and gospel good news for the purpose of personal musical worship. “Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise” (James 5:19). Martin Luther said, “Music is one of the fairest and most glorious gifts of God, to which Satan is a bitter enemy; for it removes from the heart the weight of sorrow and the fascination of evil thoughts. . . . If the devil suggests cares or sad thoughts, then defend yourself with a will and say: ‘Get out, devil. I must now sing and play to my Lord Christ.’ Take some good fellows and sing the devil down until you learn to despise him. . . . Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise.” You don’t have to be a trained musician to make a joyful noise to God, although each person’s voice and ear can be trained for improvement. When people hear joyful singing coming from you, it will encourage them, heal your own heart, and gladden God’s to receive your worship in this personal and emotional way. Sing! Sing! Sing!