Draw Near to Him with Singing

I. Introduction:

II. Text: Colossians 3:12-17

III. Singing and our emotions

A. Few things naturally express our emotions as singing does.

B. If we are extremely happy, we do not have to tell ourselves to hum or sing a song. Our desire to sing is almost unconscious.

C. Singing can further intensify our emotions.

D. If we are feeling sad, we often listen to slow, depressing songs that fit our mood. If we are joyful, we will listen to exciting songs or “party songs” that fuel our emotional release. We have special songs for patriotic, wedding, funeral, and other occasions that befit certain occasions.

E. Songs can often change our mood.

F. Some songs can bring us out of a depressing mood or cause us to be melancholy. A certain song can take us back to old memories where we vividly recall the mood and feel of the time. If we are tense, some songs can calm and soothe us. Even Hollywood knows to blend appropriate music to cinematic scenes to create mystery, suspense, excitement, sorrow, or victory.

IV. God has commanded us to sing

A. Emotional outlet

B. As we desire a more intimate relationship with God, it is natural to desire some way to express our love and adoration to Him.

C. If a man really loves a woman, he wants to find the best way to express his love to her so that she has not doubt how crazy he is for her.

D. He might send her many flowers or special kinds that she likes He might do something outrageous that gets her attention as the risk of embarrassing himself because he is more concerned about her affection that the acceptance of others He might sing a song to her or write her a poem He realizes that a simple “I love you” is not always sufficient to express the full desire of his heart. So it is with God, we need a way to open ourselves completely to Him and show Him how much He means to us

E. God has given us one such way in singing.

F. Ephesians 5:18-21 – We encourage and teach one another in our songs of praise to God and mutual exhortation.

G. We are not like those filled with wine who sing drunken party songs of excess but are those who are filled with the Spirit who sing soberly, yet joyfully, of the Creator, His Son, and the Spirit of Mercy. We sing to one another, encouraging and edifying one another to join in praise, continue in righteousness, and draw near to a loving God.

H. Colossians 3:14-17

I. Being filled with love, peace, and God’s word, we release our adoration through song as He has commanded. We teach and admonish one another—educate and exhort one another—for we worship a great and mighty God.

J. Our worship in song must be according to God’s will.

K. In both of these passages, we find no instrument but the heart. We do not find a select body of gifted singers performing for the church but the assembly joining voices together in praise and adoration. We do not find patriotic songs or other non-religious songs as part of God’s worship. We have no choice to add to or take away from what God commanded; the singing service is not for our entertainment but for God’s glory.

L. It is sad to see when Christians are not involved in the singing or do not seem to be engaged in what their mouths are saying.

M. Imagine a football game where those cheering on the team did so with a monotone, unexcited tone in their voice—it would be depressing. Sometimes we can think, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord” but elicit only a mild whimper in praise to Him.“Sing and Be Happy” sung in a depressing tone is not convincing. We should not put on a show or fake emotions that are not present, but we should be completely involved in our singing and be mindful of the words and the mood of the song we are singing.

N. Mental preparation for other parts of worship

O. Before certain parts of worship we sing songs that focus our attention to the worship at hand.

P. Lord’s Supper: “I Stand Amazed,” “Hallelujah! What A Savior” Prayer: “Did You Think To Pray,” “How Long Has It Been?” Sermon: “Break Thou The Bread of Life” “Holy Bible, Book Divine” Invitation: “Are You Ready?” “Unprepared to Meet Thy God” Of course, if we are only going through the motions of worship then the singing will add nothing to our mindset for our mind is somewhere else.

Q. Memory assistance

R. Many class teachers for our younger classes wisely put memory verses and lists to song so that the students can recall the material easily.

S. Many know their books of the Bible and apostles because of such songs. Even advertisers know that if they can put their phone number or main message to a catchy tune, people will remember. When we are joyful or sorrowful, we often call to mind favorite hymns that match the emotion of our heart when the Bible verses are not readily available. We do ourselves a great service by committing many good songs to memory.

V. Conclusion: Does your singing draw you closer to God? Does it provide that outlet for praise, love, and adoration that you have been seeking or is it something you do halfheartedly in order to fulfill a command when we assemble? Let it be a means of pulling down the barriers between you and your God.

VI. Draw Near to Him in Singing