A Wet Paper Bag

A Wet Paper Bag
A great blessing in my life is that I have had the privilege of sitting next to two different individuals, in two different churches, who are absolutely tone deaf. Both of these individuals explained that they were aware that they could not carry a tune if they tried, and that they would not be offended if I did not want to sit next to them during church. Little did they know what great encouragement they have given to me.

Throughout the Bible, especially in the Psalms, God’s people are commanded to worship Him in song. Time after time do we find Psalms ushering God’s people to sing to Him. In fact, if in the assembly of God’s people there is no song something would be lacking. There is something profound and moving about song that is crucial to the worship of our Lord.

This means that singing songs of praise to the Lord is NOT optional. Far too many people are in the gathered assembly of God’s people and remain quiet. The Lord has commanded His people to sing songs of praise to Him, and we are to obey out of our great love for Him. Whether we like the style of music, or think our voice is pleasant is of no consequence. We are to worship our Lord in song because He is worthy.

The second person I sat near in church who couldn't sing well sang with gusto. As I got to know this man and learned different things about him and his family, one of the things I learned is why he sang in church. He told me that while he knew that his voice was not pleasant to most ears, it was not most ears for which he sang. Instead, he sang for the Lord. He sang because Christ is worthy of praise and adoration. He sang because Christ had redeemed him. He sang so that his children would know that the worship of his Lord was of utmost importance. 

This man helped shape how and why I sing in corporate worship. To stand next to brothers and sisters singing with zeal about the greatness of Christ is a delight. What an encouragement it is to stand next to someone who sings with bold joy to the Lord. So, let me encourage you to sing praises to the Lord when gathered together corporately. Praise Him because He is worthy. Make a joyful noise unto Him because He has redeemed you. Encourage the body of Christ and raise us heavenward when we hear your voice. Let us worship God.

Grace be with you,
C. R. Hamilton