Claiming Your Victory: Don’t Stop Singing!
By Dr. Michael C. Carson, Columnist
Psalm 137:1-4 says, “By the rivers of Babylon—we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our harps. For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” It’s stated that singing is a way to pray.
“Look at the Psalms. It’s so easy to forget they’re songs and songs with extraordinary range. Some are very easy to set to music and they have been a million times. A half-dozen tunes come to mind for the 23rd Psalm.” Others would challenge the gifts of the finest composers. The opening of Psalm 137, “By the rivers of Babylon—we sat down and there we wept,” could be bluesy.”
Bob Kauflin, in God’s Passion for Singing, shares: “God’s heart for setting words to melodies is evident from even a casual reading of the Psalms. “O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day” (Ps. 96:1-2) is an example. So is “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises” (Ps. 47:6). In just four verses, we’re commanded to sing seven times.”
In the midst of despair, declare, “I sing because I’m happy. I sing because I’m free. His eyes are on the sparrow. And I know He watches me!”
Singing helps us handle anything in life. As you sing your way through trial, trouble, and test, proclaim: “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13).
Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again assuring us a future in heaven and strength in the midst of any storm right now (see John 10:10). The city of Jerusalem was destroyed. The majestic temple built by King Solomonwas desecrated and left in ruins. A once-proud nation was in chains and taken off as captive to a strange and foreign land!
The Israelites lost their joy. The Psalmist asked in 137:4, “How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” We too sometimes cry in the midst of our going through something that is very painful. Still, in the midst trying times, the Psalmist focuses on praising God by declaring, “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither! Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy” (137:5-6).
No matter what situation you are experiencing, don’t ever stop singing your song of praise! Don’t stop singing your song! Your song is medicine! When opportunities try to steal your joy, sing your song! When your heart breaks, sing your song! When you just cannot figure life out, sing your song! Your song expresses your prayer to and praise for God.
Dr. Michael C. Carson may be reached by at carsonvision@acd.net.
