September 27, 2027

Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
— Psalm 96:1–2

Christianity is a singing religion. More than fifty times the Bible commands us to sing. Add the related commands (to praise, to ascribe glory, to shout for joy) and the call to sing stands among the most frequent commands in all of Scripture. God does not merely permit His people to sing. He summons them.

Some especially clear examples:

"Sing ye to the LORD." — Exodus 15:21

"Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him." — 1 Chronicles 16:9

"Sing unto the LORD, all the earth." — 1 Chronicles 16:23

"O sing unto the LORD a new song." — Psalm 96:1

"Sing praises to God, sing praises." — Psalm 47:6

"Sing unto him a new song." — Psalm 33:3

Psalm 96 is especially striking. The command comes three times in quick succession: "Sing unto the LORD… sing unto the LORD… Sing unto the LORD." The psalmist will not let us miss it. Neither should we.

So as we go up to worship today, let us go gladly. Lift your voice, whether it is strong or weak, trained or untrained. The Lord who commands the song delights to hear it. Remember the words of Psalm 100:

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.
— Psalm 100:1–2

Redeemed people sing. Let us sing.