Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
Following on my previous mediation on 105:1, this verse emphasizes singing to the Lord, and specifically singing psalms unto the Lord.
I’ve attended a number of churches over the years. It seems many are caught up in modern worship, for which I think there can be a place.
However, I’ve also grown to appreciate singing the psalms. The raw pictures painted in the psalms is not only God’s word, but it resonates today at a level I don’t hear in modern music. Further, if we truly believe that God’s word is perfect, then the lyrics he provides in the psalms is without spot or blemish. I do not have the same confidence in many modern songs which might be based upon shaky theology (or worse).
For instance, if I need encouragement on the righteous of God’s commands, and how His holy law protects me, then I can sing Before Thee Let My Cry Come Near. Where else can I hear about God’s law being a blessing? I also think the singing of parts is beautiful.
Or if I’m feeling particularly joyful and thankful, Psalm 148 is uplifting! From Heav’n O Praise the Lord!
Concerned with the unjust? Psalm 94 has a host of vengeful verses! Yes, did you know that you can sing the Lord’s words back to Him when you say things like “Oh stupid people! When, o fools, will you be wise?” or “He’ll for sin wipe out the wicked; Them the Lord our God will slay.” all the while proclaiming the encouragement I need, “When my anxious thoughts are many, how Your comforts cheer my soul.” There isn’t any room for political correctness in the Psalms, and for that I’m thankful. God’s judgement and righteous is straightforward and honest; shouldn’t our worship also reflect that?
So yes, I’ll sing Psalms unto my Lord! The psalms comfort, encourage, and fortify me in a way distinct from other worship.
