From the Elder's Pen  "Worship In Song" 2/10/02 Past/Future Articles

     God’s people have always praised Him in song. Singing comes from the heart and affects the mind and thinking of man; therefore making it one of the most powerful means of teaching and influencing people. It has been said, “Let me write the songs of a nation and I will tell you how the nation goes.” Singing has the ability to build up or tear down. It can either make one happy or sad. God has commended us to worship Him in song. He has told us exactly why, how, and what to sing.  Let us look at some of the examples of singing set forth in God’s word.
     The Psalmist said in Psalms 100:2 “Serve the Lord with gladness:  come before His presence with singing.”  It was prophesied in Isaiah 52:8, “Thy watchman shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing.”  If there be any among you merry let him sing Psalms.  (James 5:13)  Nehemiah tells us in 12:27-43 that when the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, it was a time of great rejoicing and song.  God’s people with His help had accomplished a great task and they praised Him in song.
     When Moses left Egypt with the children of Israel and crossed the Red Sea, there was a great celebration in song.  (Ex. 15:1-2)  When Mary visited Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptizer, the babe leaped in her womb and Mary burst forth in song. (Lk. 1:46-55)  As Jesus prepared to go to Gethsemane in His darkest hour on earth, He sang a hymn with His disciples.  (Matt. 26:30)  Again, when Paul and Silas were cast into the forsaken darkness of their prison cell at Philippi, they sang praises to their faithful God a midnight.  (Acts 16:25)  And on and on are  the examples of praising our God in song.
     So we see that God’s people have throughout the ages sung praises to Him. (Ex.15:1)  Singing is not a choice we have as to whether we feel like it or not, whether we like the song or not, it is a command.  (1)  Why?  To praise God.  (I Chron. 16:9)  Praise His name.  (Psa. 66:1-2)  Teach and admonish one another.  Edify and build up.  (Col. 3:16)  (2)  How?  With the spirit and with the understanding (I Cor. 14:15)  Make melody in your heart to the Lord.  (Eph. 5:19)  (3)  What?  Speaking to yourselves in Psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs.  (Eph. 5:19)