PRAISE THE LORD

"Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." - Psalm 150:6

It's been a blessing to watch videos of the shape note singing schools that have been conducted this summer.  It is a joy to watch young people sight-read songs that they've never seen or heard before.  I think it is glorious to hear young voices giving praise to the Lord.  It is even more exciting to hear of lives being changed at these singing schools.  On Facebook, I saw a picture of a young lady being baptized in a river by her pastor.  She was saved at a singing school.

I think every young person should have the opportunity to go a singing school.  The experience and atmosphere of a singing school is invaluable.  For many of these young people, it is an event that truly shapes their lives and initiates friendships that last for years to come.

Young people are not the only ones that should be singing.  The psalmist wrote, "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."  Notice that the verse does NOT say, "Let everyone that has talent praise the LORD."  We tend to think that way, don't we?  To be rather honest, some have more musical talent than others.  Just because someone else has more talent than you shouldn't prevent you from offering praise to the Lord.

The psalmist ends the book of Psalms with this final sentence, "Praise ye the LORD."  When a person praises God, he or she is singing to an audience of one.  Others may hear the singing, but the concert is specifically intended to please the Lord alone. 

Sadly, congregational singing in some churches is anemic at best.  This needs to change.  Public worship should include congregational singing.  It is wonderful to be in a church that actively promotes congregational singing, as well as individual or group singing. 

Here's a problem that has infiltrated churches.  Many like to listen, but few want to sing.  In some churches, a soloist, trio, quartet or choir provides most of the music.  While I am fully supportive of group singing, I don't think it should replace congregational singing.  Music at church should never become a concert for the congregation.  Music in church is not meant to be a spectator affair but a participatory event.  Don't misunderstand me.  I like a good quartet.  I LOVE a great choir!  But such special music should never rob the congregation of the blessing of rendering praise to the Lord.

While I have a preference to the old hymns and classic Gospel songs, I also like new Gospel songs.  The main issue is the message.  Do the songs we sing have Biblical truth conveyed in a Christ-honoring way?  If so, let us sing them!

I want to share one final thought.  Singing shouldn't be restricted to the church house.  As Christians, we should sing at home, in the car, while doing chores and every place where it is appropriate.  God hears such praise and is pleased with it.  Who knows, maybe others will hear and be impacted with the message you sing. 

Yes, I love to hear singing from a good shape note singing school.  But I believe God enjoys hearing all of us when we sing from the heart.  Sing to Him because He is worthy of your praise.  Express your love and worship in song to Him.  When you bless the Lord, you'll find yourself being blessed. 

"Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."