Singing to the Lord as an Expression of Worship
Beloved in Christ, have you ever been so moved by a hymn that your heart swelled with joy or tears filled your eyes? Music has a profound way of touching our souls, lifting us closer to God. Today, we turn to the Holy Scriptures, to Isaiah 12:5, where the prophet declares, "Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth". This verse calls us to lift our voices in praise, not just as a ritual, but as a heartfelt expression of worship. Let us explore how singing glorifies God, strengthens our faith, and proclaims His marvelous deeds to the world.
Understanding Isaiah 12:5
Isaiah 12 is a song of praise, born out of God’s promise to deliver His people. In verse 5, the prophet urges us to sing because of God’s "excellent things"—His mighty works that reveal His sovereign power and grace. For us, as believers in Jesus Christ, these works include the creation of all things, where "He spake, and it was done" (Psalm 33:9, KJV), and the redemption of our souls through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Romans 1:20 tells us, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead" (KJV). These glorious deeds—creation, salvation, and the promise of eternal life—demand our response. Singing is our joyful submission to God’s authority, a declaration that He alone is worthy of praise.
Singing as Worship
The Bible commands us to worship through song. Psalm 95:1 invites us, "O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation" (KJV). In the New Testament, Paul instructs, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Colossians 3:16, KJV). Singing isn’t optional—it’s a biblical mandate. King David, a man after God’s own heart, poured out his soul in psalms, offering joy, repentance, and adoration to God. The early church followed suit, singing even in prison (Acts 16:25). Our worship must be rooted in Scripture’s authority, for as Jesus said, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24, KJV). When we sing, we obey God’s Word and honor Him with our voices.
The Power of Music in Worship
Why is singing so powerful? Music speaks to our hearts in ways words alone cannot. It stirs our emotions, binds us together, and embeds God’s truth deep within us. When we sing as a congregation, our voices unite in a testimony of faith, reflecting the love and unity Christ calls us to embody. Hymns like "Amazing Grace" or "How Great Thou Art" carry profound doctrines—redemption, God’s majesty—in melodies we never forget. Singing isn’t just an act; it’s a spiritual discipline that strengthens our souls and prepares us to stand firm in faith. Our blended voices become a sweet offering to God, a joyful noise that pleases Him (Psalm 100:1, KJV)
Evangelism through Song
Isaiah 12:5 doesn’t stop at singing—it urges us to make God’s deeds "known in all the earth." Our songs are tools for evangelism, carrying the gospel to those who hear. Think of Paul and Silas, singing in prison. Their worship wasn’t silenced by chains; it rang out, and the jailer’s household came to faith (Acts 16:25-34). Throughout history, hymns have spread the good news—from Martin Luther’s "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" to the gospel songs of revival. When we sing with joy and conviction, others notice. As Peter writes, "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15, KJV). Our songs can spark such questions, opening doors to share Christ’s love.
How do we live out this call to sing?
- Sing wholeheartedly in church. Don’t just listen—join in with enthusiasm. God delights in your voice, skilled or not, for He seeks a "joyful noise" (Psalm 100:1, KJV).
- Sing at home. Make hymns part of your devotions, teaching your family the truths of Scripture through song.
- Share your faith through music. Invite a friend to church or share a song that lifts their spirit, pointing them to Christ.
- Be discerning. Choose songs that align with biblical truth, avoiding those that stray from sound doctrine, for we worship "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24, KJV).
- Cherish our heritage. Sing the old hymns—they connect us to the faith of our fathers and ground us in God’s Word.
- If you’re gifted musically, join the choir or music ministry, leading others in praise. Let your singing reflect a heart devoted to God’s holiness.
Dear brothers and sisters, Isaiah 12:5 calls us to "sing unto the Lord" for His excellent works. Singing is more than a tradition—it’s worship, a response to God’s grace, a unifier of His people, and a witness to the lost. Let us sing with all our hearts, grounded in Scripture, proclaiming His deeds to all the earth. May our voices be a sweet sound to God and a light to those in darkness. As we lift our songs, let them flow from hearts renewed by His truth, for He has done excellent t
hings. Amen.
DMMc 6-22-25
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