The Song In The Heart

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:19

Dear Ones:

It is quite logical that if the Holy Spirit is in the heart, and the fruit of the Spirit’s presence and action is “love, joy, and peace,” then it is certainly a reality that He gives songs in the night, new songs, a blessed song in the heart.  One of the most remarkable declarations of the importance of singing, even in the face of difficulty and great suffering, is related to us in the Gospel of Matthew:  “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” (26:30)  The singing of this hymn just preceded the betrayal, and crucifixion of Christ.  Indeed, He, at the last supper had just spoken to the disciples of His death and resurrection.  Yet, before they would leave the upper room, they would sing a hymn.

Through John’s eyes, and by his words in the book of the Revelation, we discover that there is singing in heaven.  The first thing that we notice about this “singing” is that it is a “new song.” (5:9)  How is it new?  It is so because it reflects the new, fresh, and everlasting work of Christ (forever new), as the slain Lamb of God, who has redeemed individuals from every kindred, tongue, people, and nation.  The second thing we see is something of the size of the multitude singing, the redeemed of all the ages from the beginning of the world congregated, lifting up their voice.

Why is singing so very important, and how and what are we to sing?  We begin to answer these questions by asking another, “Where does the song come from?”  All that is true and lasting in the Christian life has its origin and realization in the Spirit of God.  Hence, the source of the song is in Christ…also, the capacity and realization of the singing.  With regard to the song, those psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, there is no mention of their melody, nor of their length, as to how they are to be sung.  What IS important is their content, for they do express the great truths of faith in Christ, and of this salvation to which we have been called.  Perhaps, to be specific, the highest and loveliest of the songs are those which declare, proclaim, and bring to remembrance the beauty, glory, and worthiness of God.  As the worship of God is that highest of all acts of devotion to God, so the song, is a wonderful means of expressing the great truths of the person and work of Christ.

O Father, we remember how that, after Paul and Silas had been beaten and put in prison for the sake of the Gospel, at midnight they began to “sing praises unto God, and the prisoners heard them.”  It was at that point that You intervened for their deliverance, but also to save many in the city as a result.  As we live by the Spirit of God this day, fill our hearts with the “songs of Zion,” that melody from heaven by the Spirit, and the praise in song that You are worthy to receive.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Love, Dad