Singing New Songs

By Art Fulks –

My entire life as a worship leader, the words “new song” have been the most volitile ever spoken in a church. One beloved seminary professor said, “People do not know what they like, they like what they know.” Before you click your mouse or turn the page, I assure you that this is not a piece about worship wars. Bear with me for a moment.

Although I like many styles of music, the fellowship I pastor has a more contempory flavor. Over the years, I have heard Scriptures, like Psalm 144:9, used to justify a music preference. As believers who still have fleshly flaws, we can sometimes try to force the Bible to support our individual preferences.

This week, as I read this passage again in the context of the entire chapter, I realized it has nothing to do with corporate worship or musical styles. In the middle of incredible persecution and tragedy, the Psalmist finds his faith still present. It prompts him to raise a personal song of praise and promise, when most would have abandoned all hope.

It is not uncommon in dark days to find hope and encouragement in the heartfelt songs of others. But when was the last time you put your deepest desires, passions, and feelings to music and raised them as an offering from your soul to the Lord? Although many of us made up songs as children and sang them in front of our parents, most of us have never sung a personal song to our Heavenly Father.

Unlike earthly audiences, God is not impressed with lyrical structure or musical ability. Some of us have nothing but a monotone chant to offer in the privacy of our car. For others, our lyrics would be broken or drenched with tears of sorrow. As the message of Amy Grant’s song declares, what we offer from our hearts is sometimes better than a hallelujah. For those with true faith in Christ, I would add that you can legitimately cry in despair and lift expressions of praise in the same chorus.

So maybe in your car today or in the shower with a loud exhaust fan running, why not try singing a new song—your own song—to God?

AUTHOR QUOTE: Whether it is a chorus of joy, hymn of praise, or burdened spiritual, the Father longs to hear you sing it with all of your heart.

“I will sing a new song to Thee, O God; upon a harp of ten strings I wil sing praises to Thee” (Psalm 144:9 NASB).

Today’s devotional is by Art Fulks, a church planter / pastor at Connection Fellowship in Greenville, South Carolina. Married for 22 years and father of four, Art is a graduate of The Ohio State Univeristy and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a passionate Bible teacher, speaker, musician, worship leader, and life coach. Read more at http://www.connectionfellowship.org or walk the journey with him daily on Facebook.