August 30
Sing a New Song

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 96:1-6 | Job 34:1 – 36:33 | 2 Corinthians 4:1-12 | Proverbs 22:10-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 96

“Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the Earth” (Psalm 96:1 NIV)

Do you like to sing new songs? The Psalmist did. I do too. It’s not that there aren’t great old familiar songs to sing—and there is a place for that too. But, we dare not get stuck in a rut. Here the psalmist calls us to worship the Lord with new songs.

Why new songs? God is always doing something new and fresh. We must proclaim “his salvation day after day”. If our relationship with God is growing—if there is a newness and freshness in our walk with him—there will be new songs to express that vitality. With every fresh move of the Spirit of God upon the church there are many new songs.

I’ve noticed that people tend to like the songs that remind us of experiences we’ve had with the Lord. Some songs bring me back to my childhood experiences, others to college, others to conferences where God met me in an unusual way. But just as God desires a fresh intimate walk with me each and every day, so there will be new expressions of praise. A daily, fresh encounter with Jesus is likely to lead to new songs of praise—and will often bring new meaning to some of those great old classics as well.

We must also sing new songs, because there are new people to reach. New songs must be written and sung in the heart language of each and every generation; each and every language; each and every culture. We must declare “his glory among the nations” and that will require new songs that will enable people of every language, nation and people to bring praise to God in ways most meaningful to them. Someday, we’ll all get together and worship God around the throne in heaven. People from all nations will be there, each singing to God in their own unique way (read Revelation 4 and 5). The sound will be glorious. I can hardly wait.

Singing new songs is a challenge for some of us. In many ways it is easier to sing familiar songs. There is a place for both, of course. But don’t get stuck in a rut in your walk with God. Don’t get stuck in a rut in your singing either. Keep learning, keep growing and keep singing with all your heart! He really is worthy of our praise.