When I was a young girl, every 5th Sunday of the month was set aside for an area “singspiration.” Each church would bring at least one special music number, and the format would be to intersperse the special music with song requests. I look back now and laugh because someone would always request “Up From the Grave He Arose” and every kid in the crowd, me included, would be singing what we thought were the words: “Up from the gravy arose!” It’s a rousing song and if you don’t know it, you should Google it.
Looking back on my spiritual journey, I can trace each season of my life by the worship songs that carried me through the ups and downs of life. Each time I hear one of those songs, it brings varying waves of emotion that are deeply tied to what I was experiencing in my walk with Christ. I know that during those times in my life, I heard great sermons, but nothing sticks more deeply than a song. Maybe you can relate.
Singing is both biblical and beneficial. Worship is scientifically shown to alleviate anxiety and stress. It floods our brains with the “joy chemicals” of endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin. In short, it is shown to restore our mental order. Making singing a part of our daily rhythm creates new, healthier neural pathways in our brains. Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me.” What better way to do that than to make singing a daily habit? Fun fact: this Bible verse has been set to music!
We are actually wired to worship our Creator. When we sing, our mood shifts because the posture of our heart changes. Singing shifts our focus above our current circumstances, lifting our eyes and reminding our hearts who is truly in control. Here are some more benefits of singing.
Singing reminds us of God’s character. Songs that come to mind would be the old hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness”, and the newer song “Way Maker.” Look at the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea on dry land and God totally wiping out their enemy. What happens next? Miriam takes the timbrel and leads the nation in song. A song that I learned years ago from this text is going through my head right now. “I will sing unto the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and rider fell into the sea!”
Singing helps us to memorize scripture. When we set scripture to music, it gives our brain a place for each word in the verse, making it easier to remember. There is a whole lot of scientific information behind this concept and it would be a fun deep dive to explore. Suffice it to say, our brains naturally recall words to songs easier than just straight memorization.
Singing brings us closer to God. The world and its struggles have a way of being so overpoweringly loud that it’s hard to hear the heartbeat of the Father. By intentionally putting ourselves in a position of worship we are opening our hearts to quiet the chaos and listen for His still small voice. Although I’ve never had the auditory experience of hearing Him, I can testify that many times God has spoken to me through the lyrics of worship songs.
Corporate worship offers spiritual benefits that you won’t find in isolation. There’s nothing quite like the swell of an anthem to bring my heart into alignment with God and His people. Corporate worship develops a sense of belonging and reminds us that we are not in this battle alone. It can give us that determination to keep going. Even though every song might not resonate with you or be the style you like best, your voice singing over the person next to you might just be the encouragement they need to hear.
A few months ago, I was attending a Sacred Saturday that is offered to the women in the church and an invaluable resource was recommended. It has since become a part of my quiet time with the Lord. Shane & Shane have started something they call the Worship Initiative. They have a 15-minute devotional that includes prayer, scripture reading, and singing, and it fits perfectly with my commute to work. Sometimes I know the songs, and you’ll see me in my car just singing my heart out. (The scripture about making a joyful noise comes to mind!) Other times I don’t know the featured song, and it gives me an opportunity to ponder the lyrics and learn a new song. What a practical way to incorporate singing into our everyday lives! It’s the start of my day, which sets the tone for the entire day! I encourage you to check it out and get signed up for their daily text. You’ll find them at sing.theworshipinitiative.com.
Colossians 3:15-16 says,
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Don’t think you have a good singing voice? You’ll be happy to know that the only prerequisite for singing is having breath. Psalm 150:6: “Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord!”
Today, let’s lift our voices and praise the Lord! Go out today and—as Shane & Shane so perfectly put it—have an awesome day of worship!
Yvonne
Wickenkamp
Yvonne is a part of our Christ’s Church family and is married to Jim, our Senior Adult Minister. They have 5 children: Joel, Kayla, Noelle, Angie, Ryan, and 6 grandchildren.
Yvonne is pictured here with her husband, Jim.
