Sing a New Song
A couple months ago, we were having community group, but Faye had to stay back with one of our kids who was sick. We got to the end of group, and we did what we almost always do: we sang. Except we sang without Faye, my wife, who usually gets us started and keeps us on pitch.
No, this time, we sang with just me.
We were talking about Psalm 91 that night, and so I chose “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.” It’s a song we sing here from time to time; we even have our own Cities arrangement. Except I didn’t sing that arrangement. I sang the old hymn, which nobody knew. That means even the one girl who kind of new the Cities version was confused. So, line by line, she and I battled arrangements, while the others (who didn’t know either version) held on for dear life. . . .
I’m so glad we sang that night. It’s so fitting and healthy and happy for those who know and love God to sing about our love for him — and not just on Sunday mornings. My exhortation for us this morning is Psalm 149:1:
“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song!”
Some of you only need one word: “Sing!” You’ve sat out the singing this morning. Maybe you’ve sat out for weeks or months. Singing isn’t for musically-gifted-or-inclined Christians. Singing is for everyone who’s tasted the goodness of God in Christ. We have to sing. (And we’re going to give you a couple more chances this morning.)
Even for those who do sing, though, the exhortation is more than just sing. No, “Sing to the Lord a new song!” I love that the 149th psalm says that. Don’t we have enough? I imagine if we asked King David why there are 150 psalms, he would say, “Because there wasn’t room for 1,500 or 15,000.” Our songs will never, ever exhaust him and his glory. There will always be more to see, and that means there will always be more to sing.
So, if God has given you musical ability, write a new song! And if not (like me and most of you), we’re not of the hook. No, we can find our new way, even this week, to tell someone why we love and worship Jesus.
