Then Sings My Soul

Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!

Praise befits the upright.

Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;

Make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!

Sing to him a new song;

Play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.

Psalm 33:1-3 (ESV)

Music can soothe the soul or offend the ears. It is all about harmony and lyrics. Music scales build chords and create harmony. I learned to love music from an early age as my parents took the family to, what were then called, outdoor singing conventions. People would gather from miles around, bring their picnic lunches, spread a blanket, and sing along with gospel quartets. As I grew older, playing an instrument in the school band taught me to read music and understand when hitting wrong notes disturbed harmony. The discordant sound would stress the director. Then as an adult, I sang in the church choir for twenty years. The lyrics and harmony were soothing to my soul as we praised God in song.

Songs of praise are written throughout the Psalms. Psalm 33:1 tells us that praise befits the righteous meaning it is appropriate for the believer. Verse 3 carries the message further with an imperative of “sing to Him a new song.” That is what we are to do. Use words in our music that sing of God’s goodness and acknowledges what He has done for us.

Each time we sing praise to the Lord, we should do so as if it is a fresh encounter with God. Allow His Spirit to awaken within us a love and appreciation for who God is and what He has done to draw us to Him through Christ alone. His word is truth. His work is faithful. Praise the Lord.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of music that soothes the soul as I praise you. Today is a new day, therefore, my song of praise to You is a new song. You are my peace. Amen.