What Makes You Sing?

Think about it for a moment, what makes you sing? Is it, for you, beautiful weather? Words of encouragement? The kindness of a friend? Or time alone, perhaps? A few years ago, I had to chuckle at the curious realization that whenever I accomplished a meaningful task, my inner satisfaction found outward expression through lyrics. (And seemingly random ones, at that!)

Does anything stir us more deeply, though, than those moments when we experience for ourselves that God is real, that He loves us, and His words are true? He shows up when all hope is lost, and our spirits are lifted by a promise fulfilled—“I am with you always.”¹ We see change within that only God could have brought about, and we are relieved to know He’s not finished with us yet.² A Scripture passage leaps off the page and into our soul, proving God’s word to be “alive and active,”³ much more than a worldview. The one we’ve been praying for comes to new life through faith in Christ, and we can almost hear the “rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”⁴

These are the epiphany moments of truth, when we realize God is who He says He is, that He is faithful and His promises sure. So, Paul guides our thoughts: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”⁵ For these things of God are too powerful to contain, too mighty to suppress. We shouldn’t be surprised when they spring our silence into song.

Father, incline my heart to your Spirit, that I would overflow with joy at the thought of your faithfulness and the knowledge of your goodness. May my life bring you glory today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:15, 16).

Christ in me is confidence.

¹ Matthew 28:20
² Philippians 1:6
³ Hebrews 4:12
⁴ Luke 15:10
⁵ Philippians 4:8