11 Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done. 12 For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted. 13 O LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, 14 that I may declare your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in your salvation. 15 The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. 16 The LORD is known by his justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Selah

James says: “If anyone among you is happy, let him sing songs of praises.” There is nothing that should be more natural than for the Christian to sing songs of praise to God. Not only when we are happy but when things are not going our way, we need to sing songs of praise. Singing can be a very meaningful form of prayer. It can be done when we are alone, driving to or from work, washing dishes, mowing the yard, running a machine in the factory or almost any other time. Songs of praise can be sung aloud or they can be sung quietly from the heart.

We sing songs that praise God for his love, his mercy, his grace and his kindness or at times it is praise to him for his faithfulness and his tender watch and care over us. We praise him for his power, his majesty, his wisdom and perfect knowledge. As we do this we are reminded of his infinite attributes and our hope in him. Not only do we express our gratitude at the time but we are building our faith and our strength as we sing.

Paul tells us to sing to one another to teach and to encourage. When we see a scene of heaven revealed in the Apocalypse, we find God’s creation of earthly and heavenly beings around the great white throne singing praise to Jesus our Savior and to the Father. Singing praises pleases our heavenly Father. So as we sing we meditate on the words and learn from them. We are encouraged and our spirits are lifted up. Singing is not so much about he tune or the beat, nor is it about our vocal ability or expertise but it is about our heartfelt worship, thanksgiving and praise to God. Sing praises to God.

O God, please fill my heart with praise and thanksgiving today. Give me the joy to praise you in all that I do and in every place I go. Lift up my heart and my spirit with songs that glorify your matchless name. Thank you for your great love and for your willingness to demonstrate that love thru your Son. Fill my heart with that love so I can show others Jesus living in me. Forgive me when I fail to love as I should. Give me wisdom to live for you in everything I do and say. Help me to use the opportunities you give to share the good news of Jesus our Savior, in whose name I pray.