What’s Your Song?

Psalm 40:3 says, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.”

Psalm 71:3 says, “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you– I, whom you have redeemed.”

Psalm 95:1 says, “Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.”

Psalm 105:2 says, “Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.”

When I am having a bad day I listen to the song “Handimbochemi” which means I will not cry I trust that God has this under control.

When I am not feeling well I sing this song “Murapi Mukuru” which means God is the Great Physician.  My grandmother taught me to sing this song when I was about 10 years old.

When faced with doubts or temptations, I sing the song “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.”  Again, it is a sentimental song my grandmother taught me many years ago.

Songs play a significant role in the lives of Africans.  In Africa …

•  We sing when we are happy; we sing when we are sad.
• We sing when everything is going well.
• We sing when we are struggling
• We sing as we walk to the bus stop, as we bid farewell to our loved ones.
• We sing as we ride the bus to and from church camps.
• We lift our voices anywhere, anytime.
• We sing when the babies are born. The arrival of new life calls for a new song to the heavens.
• We sing and dance when in worship. At church, all peoples unite in song, becoming one family of God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5EVrOroiMQ
• We sing when somebody gets married. We bless the new couple through rhythmic songs.
• We sing when someone dies. Consolation is expressed through poetic songs.
• We sing quietly, in contemplation. Our words seemingly reaching out to touch the heart of God.
• We sing in loud jubilation, as we exuberantly celebrate victories.
• Slaves, soldiers, prisoners got strength through singing. Some of our most powerful, moving songs were written during war times, and during the slavery period.

Today in church music plays a significant role

 1.  When we sing we feel close to God. When we sing, we open our hearts to God.  Our emotions engage us with the very holy presence of God.  Our inner beings “hear, feel, and see” the glory of the invisible God.

2. When we sing, we declare our praises to God. When we sing, we verbalize our adoration of God. We get to express our gratitude to Him.  Our singing becomes a form of communication with God.

3. When we sing we affirm our faith. When we sing, we tell the world who God is.  When we sing, we testify of God’s goodness and mercy to the world.  Our singing becomes a form of preaching to the masses.

4. When we sing we retain our knowledge of true theology. Most of our hymns and songs are steeped in deep theology.  By memorizing, reciting, and singing these Biblically sound songs, we essentially, retain and reproduce God’s Word.  Where we cannot take Bibles; where doubt is prevalent, theologically deep songs can sustain us. Where people are illiterate, or poverty prevents them from acquiring Bibles, songs teach and preserve our theology.

5. When we sing, God does something miraculous and wonderful. Music has the effect of changing our moods, feelings, and perception. Are you feeling sour and blue? Sing a worship song.

6. Songs have no boundaries. You can sing out loud.  You can listen to music and move along.  You can hum, whistle or just nod along.  You can sing in your heart.  Wherever you are, whenever, put your song on.  Go on, sing and watch God change you!

What song has God put in your heart?

What do the words say?  What is God saying through it?

How do you feel when you sing this song?