A Time to Sing

“Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:19 NKJV.

Anointed music feeds your spirit and lifts your soul.

My thoughts and comments today are about “a time to sing.”

My friend, Campbell, once said to me, “If you want to know what fills your heart, watch what spills out when you are bumped unexpectedly or adversely.” What’s in your heart? Sometimes, the sounds that spill out may be frustration, grumbling, complaint, discouragement, or self-pity. Not very pretty sounds. I have learned that what I put into my heart and mind daily is what pours out in uncomfortable or unguarded moments. Listen to anointed music that feeds your spirit and lifts your soul. Hide God’s Word in your heart every day. Read Psalm 1:1-3. Lift your voice in praise daily. Psalm 34:1.

Here is how you do that. “Be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18 NIV. In the Greek text, that verb is in the present imperative, “Be (being) filled with the Spirit,” indicating a continuous and progressive work of the Holy Spirit. “When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control . . if we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:23/25 NLT. The fullness of the Spirit results in His influence and direction.

A joyful sound in the ordinary incidents and events of life is the evidence of a heart full of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul taught the Christ-followers in Ephesus, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19-20 NIV. Spiritual songs and thanksgiving for all things at all times flow freely from the Spirit-filled heart and are the authentic expression of a Spirit-filled Christ-follower. In our songs as well as sermons, the Christian Faith is devotedly expressed across generations, “singing with grace in your hearts.” Read Colossians 3:16-17.

There are notable occasions in Scripture of “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” releasing the presence and power of God in particular situations. (1) Moses’ victorious new song recounting God’s triumph at the Red Sea. Exodus 15 NKJV. (2) David’s enthusiastic new song joyfully celebrating God’s presence when the Ark of the Covenant was restored to Israel. 2 Samuel 6:14-15 NIV. (3) King Jehoshaphat’s obedient new song declaring faith in God’s promise and power, as singers and praisers preceded the army against their enemies. 2 Chronicles 20:20-23 NIV. (4) Paul and Silas’ thankful new song focusing on Who God is rather than where they were. Acts 16:23-34. Whatever your present circumstance, it is always the right time to sing an anointed song. Give God your voice of praise; God will give you His lyrics of victory and rejoicing.

Today, I pray for you that there will be a song in your heart that lifts your spirit.