NOTE: This is Part 1 of a 5-part series explaining spiritual disciplines to children. Each article in the series is designed to be read by kids or to kids. You can check out the rest of the series here.
by Heidi Anderson
What is it?
One of my favorite songs to sing in church is “Behold our God.” It’s a call to think about the kind of God we serve, the One who holds the oceans in His hands, yet had nails pierce His hands to pay for my sin on the cross. Nothing and no one can compare to this God, so the song says to “Come let us adore Him.”
Singing is one very important way to help us adore and worship God. In fact, we were made to sing. Being “made to sing” doesn’t mean everyone is going to hit every note perfectly. In fact, some people might not get very close to the right notes. But singing is joy in God expressed out loud (1 Chronicles 15:16), so we were all made to sing – even if we’re not very good at it.
What’s the Bible say about it?
In Colossians 3:16, Paul says that singing is what helps the gospel to “dwell in our hearts.” Who Jesus is and what he’s done should live in our hearts, and singing is what helps us do that. Think about it. The longest book in the Bible (Psalms) is a bunch of songs. I think God is telling us we should be singing often! On top of that, the Bible tells us that God is a God who sings, and He will one day sing over us (Zephaniah 3:17). God will celebrate that we are His by singing, so we should do the same. Singing helps us celebrate that we are His and He is ours.
How can I do it?
You don’t have to be the best singer to sing for Jesus. He wants you to sing – and sing loudly – because it’s more about your heart than hitting all the right notes. Sing out at church. When you do, you’re not just raising sounds of joy to God. You’re also telling those around you that you love Jesus and can encourage them too.
But singing isn’t just for church. You can (and should) sing at all times – in the car, before or after dinner, at bedtime. You can even sing when you’re doing something not so fun like chores. Singing in the everyday parts of our life helps to keep the joy of Jesus in our minds and hearts.
Not sure what to sing? Singing Bible verses is a great place to start. When I was a kid, I listened to “Hide ‘Em in Your Heart” by Steve Green all the time. Even as an adult, those verses put to song still come to mind. When I’m afraid, I sing Psalm 56:3-4. When I’m tempted to say something I shouldn’t, I sing Psalm 34:13. Another great option is Seeds Family Worship!
God has given each of us a song to sing. We just need to sing it out so that we can behold our God!