“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn– shout for joy before the LORD, the King. Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.” Psalm 98 (NIV)
A new song? What new song? Who wrote it? What is its title? Is it approved by the Church Board of Music and Worship? Such questions might arise if we attempted to introduce a new song to the choir or to the praise and worship team. Some of us may smile at the fictitious scenario. Others may remember when they got shot down for doing just that.
How does one go about writing a new song? Well, first of all, forget about writing one. The Psalmist is encouraging praise, not songwriting. Alright, how do we go about singing a new song? First, we remember the marvelous things he has done in our lives; how his strength and power have given grace and salvation. In addition, he didn’t keep his salvation to himself but revealed it so everyone could access it. Second, we revel in our musings until shouts of joy are rolling from our lips. Music of praise will burst forth from our souls. Wordless tunes of adoration come from the crevices of our being. As we realize who God is and what He has done on our behalf, we want to grab an instrument and make joyful noises before Him. Finally, we want others to join us in praise, and if they won’t do so, then we join nature’s elements in a giant celebration of continual praise. The new song? Praise From A Grateful Heart. The title remains the same as we wake up each new day to his fresh grace and blessings, but we change the words to accommodate our new day of singing.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Empower us with a new song of praise to your glory. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today with a new song unto the Lord,