Oh How Easy I Forget

In the NIV 1984 version of the Bible the word “sing” is used in 107 verses. That does not include the word “singing” or “sang.” Most of these verses are a command to sing.

“Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving. . .” Psalm 147:7

“. . .sing to the LORD a new song. . .” Psalm 149:1

I love singing praises to God, but I forget. I spend weeks only singing to Him on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Oh what I am missing!

Isaiah 61:3 Isaiah tells us God put His Spirit on Isaiah to proclaim comfort for the hurting. . . “the garment of praise for the spirit of despair.” So when we are despairing if we choose the garment of praise perhaps we can get rid of the spirit of despair.

Yet I forget this truth. I don’t spend time in praising God in prayer or song. I lose out on the joy that is praising God. Somehow music is “wasting” time or “unimportant.” Please don’t get me wrong, I love music and I want it as part of my life. Yet there are days I don’t turn on music. When I finally turn some music on that praises God, I praise God too. Suddenly my outlook isn’t so negative. I may still hurt, but a deep joy and peace resides.

All it takes is singing a few songs or listening to some music that reminds me who God is and what He has done for me. When I praise God I remember He is in control, He is able, He is bigger and more glorious than I can imagine. Praising Him changes the way I think about my circumstances and reminds me my hope is God not circumstances or people.

So here are a few songs to start your week off with singing praises. . . I hope you enjoy them and join me in praising God in word and song daily.

How does singing praises affect you?