My son, Paul, is fourteen and a freshman in high school. He is quiet, loves games of any kind and enjoys giving his big sister a hard time when he thinks she deserves it! But he has a heart for the Lord, and we have been surprised by the spiritual depth we see revealed at times in his thoughts and prayers. Our church has a wonderful music program, and the worship services are filled beautiful music, hymns and praise songs. I have noticed that Paul doesn't sing much, and when I asked him why, he said it was because he didn't have a good voice and couldn't sing well. I sure don't have a good voice either, but I still love to sing and couldn't imagine a worship service without music and singing. So I told him that God didn't care what it sounded like, and he should sing anyway. When he asked why, I didn't have a good answer. Since then I've thought about, and this is what I've found.
Over and over in scripture we are instructed to sing to the Lord. "Sing to the Lord a new song", "...burst into jubilant song with music", "come before Him with joyful songs" (Ps. 96:1, 98:4, 100:2), "speak...with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs" (Eph. 5:19). In heaven we will sing a new song (Rev. 5:9). Music has always been an important part of group worship. Listen to the words. Feel their meaning. It helps us focus our thoughts on the greatness of God and our love for Him. This is pleasing to God.
God is the audience of our praise. It really doesn't matter what the person next to you thinks of your voice. God has instructed us to sing, so when we do we are obeying Him. God is the One who gave you your voice, just like it is. So when you sing praises to Him, it is your voice He wants to hear lifted up to Him. He doesn't expect or desire Steve Green's voice or Amy Grant's voice to come from you--that's not the voice He gave you! It is pleasing to Him to hear your voice.
I remember when I was growing up, there was an elderly lady in our church who would sing off key very loudly every Sunday, and the kids nearby would snicker. But there was such joy on her face, and all who knew her knew the love in her heart for Jesus. Her life was a testimony of praise and service for her Lord. She sang with a pure heart so full of love, praise, thankfulness and joy, that I think it was more beautiful to God than any Dove Award winner ever was. I think He was very pleased.
Sing unto the Lord, my friend! Lift your voice in praise!!
Becky
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