ODJ: why we sing
July 24, 2011
[Sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and [make] music to the Lord in your hearts (v.19).
READ: Ephesians 5:15-20
Music is a kind of language—an experiential language. It allows us to communicate what we feel or to evoke what we hope to feel. When I want quiet—soft jazz helps me express that longing. When I want to experience joy—folksy bluegrass hits just the right chord. My wife Miska and I both have songs that, whenever we hear them, trigger memories and emotions from our years together. And I have several friends who express themselves best at a piano or by singing lyrics.
In Ephesians, Paul describes the work God is doing in the world, crafting a people (the church) who will embody God’s kingdom. As God’s people, we are to live and love the way God lives and loves. We’re to “understand what the Lord wants [us] to do”—and then do it (v.17). We could never enact this new way of living by ourselves. We aren’t that wise or ingenious. We can see this new life take shape only as we allow God’s presence and strength free reign in us. Paul puts it this way: We must be “filled with the Holy Spirit” (v.18).
But what does it look like if we’re filled with God—with the Holy Spirit? Do we gain superhuman powers or do we begin to glow like an angel? On this occasion at least, Paul says that we will sing. Sing? Yes, God will fill us and then we will pour forth beautiful music.
First, we sing “to one another” (v.19 NIV). The music Paul describes is communal music, the church’s expression of God’s character and activity. Second, we “[make] music to the Lord” (v.19). Our music, as well as all our lives, should be directed to God.
Joyful music that sings God’s story is one way we experience (and proclaim) His work among us. —Winn Collier
How has music helped you experience God or express yourself to Him? Where do you sense God’s desire to fill you—and what kind of song might emerge from that?
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