Why Do We Sing?

Have you ever wondered why we sing as we begin our church services?

Most of us never think about it; we simply take it for granted that it’s always been done, so we keep doing it. There is a little truth to the idea of tradition, but why did the tradition begin? Why do we still sing?

The reason we sing is because we bring all of our “stuff” to church with us on Sunday morning. We think about farm equipment that isn’t running right, about our sick mom, our finances, our fights with the kids or spouse before church, and so many other things. Our weeks overflow with challenges that go with us wherever we go. And you know, it’s hard to set that stuff aside so that we can focus on Jesus, even for just an hour or so.

In Israel’s history, musicians and singers often went in front of the army as they went to war. Read this from II Chronicles, chapter 20:

²⁰ Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way, Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” ²¹After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever!” ²² At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.

(II Chronicles 20:20-22, NLT)

Like on our Sunday mornings, these musicians and singers were there, not with parade songs, but with praise to our God. See, praises, given to the God of all creation, help to center us and drive the enemy away. And, in this case, the enemy is both the things that distract us and the true enemy who does all he can to keep us from worshipping God and focusing on both his Word and what our response should be to that Word.

So, this month, as you come to worship, take just a minute and thank the warriors on the worship team for the hard work they do, going before us and leading us into that place where we can set all else aside and focus on our God. Pray for them.

Blessings, and may the God of all creation, the God who saves, fill you with thanksgiving this month and every other. Amen.

Pastor Tony