Sing a New Song to the Lord

 Most people have a very hard time with change. Our human nature drifts toward being comfortable and sticking with our regular way of doing things. Then, when we are asked to do something new, it is uncomfortable for us, and we can immediately react in a negative way. This is a terrible tendency because everything that is living and growing has to experience change in different ways. This is very true of spiritual growth, too. We must change to grow in the Lord.

The psalmist gives us a very simple verse about this, but I believe it has a message for all of us, as believers. (Psalms 96:1) The Lord commands us to sing a new song to Him, and not just us, but the whole earth should sing to the Lord. We need to delve into why we are commanded to sing a "new song." Why can't we just sing an old song, so that we already know the words and the melody? I believe that is a big part of what God wants us to see today.

I have been a pastor for almost 50 years. Almost that entire time there have been struggles over the songs we were singing for worshiping the Lord. Some people liked the new songs, but many pushed back. I tried to explain why we were singing songs that were not in the hymnal, but most of the time my words fell on deaf ears, because people were so set in their ways. I have prayed and tried my best to get people to see why this is good, but I have not been successful. I am going to try one more time.

We need to worship the Lord with our mind, will, and emotions. When we sing a new song, our mind is engaged in a way that is not true when we sing and old song. Yes, it is harder to follow the melody at first, but it doesn't take long until we catch on, and the new words give is new meaning to learn and to use to praise the Lord. That keeps us focused and fresh. I think that is why the book of Revelation says that we will sing a new song before the throne of God in heaven. If God will do it in heaven, I think we should gladly do it here to get ready for our heavenly worship.

#NHBaptistdotorg

Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 98-100.