One of the most dramatic ways of stirring people’s hearts is music. A song has mobilized nations for war. The National Anthem brings tears to people’s eyes. A song has also mobilized the Lord’s people for war against the schemes and evil of the Devil. There is nothing more stirring than a large group of Christians singing together. Years ago, Shirley and I attended a singing at a local auditorium. There were about 1,200 to 1,500 members of the church there. One person on the stage asked the audience to stand and sing along with him in old, standard hymns that almost everyone knew. The sound of several hundred sopranos, several hundred altos, tenors, and bases was truly awe inspiring. The very memory of such events will cause the heart to leap, and bring new resolve to move forward.
When people are happy, they often respond with music. Often, when a small child is happy or content, that contentment will be expressed through singing. Adults will do the same thing by humming, singing, or whistling a tune.
Singing can also be a source of strength and comfort in times of trial or adversity. When Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi, they sang songs to God. That was not something unusual. It was a natural way of expressing confidence and faith. When the Communists took over in China, all congregations and worship was banned, and many church leaders were imprisoned. Records have stated that prison officials were frustrated, because those men would encourage other prisoners through the singing of hymns. It was a way of spiritually preparing for whatever lay ahead.
Psalm 92 begins by declaring, “It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High…” That statement is very powerful, because there are few more beautiful ways to praise God than through music. When a congregation sings together, it is a shared praise to the Lord. Singing stirs the soul and can transform the nature of a service. It is indeed good to praise the Lord in song and music.
Because of the hope and promise found in Christ Jesus, Christians should be known as people who sing out of joy. Who has greater reason to sing, than an individual who can call the Living God “Father”? May this activity never be diminished in the minds and actions of Christians!
In verse six, the psalmist shifts from praise of the Lord to a tragic side of life. “A senseless man has no knowledge, nor does a stupid man understand this:” What a contrast between two lifestyles! The first part of the psalm presents a joyful theme of praise to God, but there are also those who will have no part of a relationship with the Lord
There are many people in that category. They go through life like all people do. Yes, there are times of joy, sadness, excitement and all the other experiences of life. Many people flourish in this life without the Lord. However, if there is no relationship in Jesus Christ, there is no real hope of eternal life. What purpose is there to life? What expectation is there beyond the dwindling days of this life? Their heroes are just like them – people chasing after dreams and goals that are only temporary.
Without the Lord, what hope or guidance exists for those in the midst of trials, disappointments or personal tragedy? What comfort is there for those who find themselves alone? What answer can there be when a person feels unloved and unwanted? Without Jesus, there is only sadness and eventual destruction. Poor soul, poor senseless person, poor fool.
The hope and promise is real! “The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.” (12-13) Palm trees and cedars grow in areas where other plants will not grow. They handle the adversity of nature.
Problems and trials affect all people. Faithfulness does not automatically lead to wealth and security in this world. However, Christians have a hope, an assurance which cannot be affected by anything in this life. Each Christian has received power from God to achieve happiness and contentment in this life. Each Christian has been given a task of great and lasting importance – rescue those who are perishing. Being a Christian gives meaning to life NOW and confidence for life in the future. When a life in the Lord is compared to a life in the world, there is no comparison! “They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green,”
Each Christian, sing out! “For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” Psalm 92:4