Not only do these songs, which were written by God’s inspired writers, further illustrate the superiority of the divine mind, they communicate the will of God in a fashion that is easy to remember and repeat.

Therefore, it is not surprising that God commands us to sing today.

We often emphasize, and rightfully so, preaching, reading the Bible, taking the Lord’s Supper, and communicating with God in prayer. But singing is just as important as these other commandments given by God. The songs we sing can and should become an important part of our lives. When times are difficult and troubles seem endless we can call to mind songs like “It Is Well With My Soul” or “Be With Me Lord.” When we are especially joyous, it should bring to mind songs like “Sing And Be Happy.” We’ll even hum the tunes as we go about our day. James encourages this behavior, “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms” (Jam. 5:13).

Some of the best songs are scriptures that are put to a melody. This is a profitable way to remember and teach a section of God’s word. We understand music to be a powerful teaching tool. That is why we teach children the “12 apostles song” or the “the Books of the Bible song.” It helps them, and us, remember these important facts when we put them to a tune.

Songs like “As The Deer” and “I Will Call Upon The Lord,” which are taken from Psalm 42 and Psalm 18, are great songs, but more importantly they help us commit sections of God’s word to memory. Singing is important because it gives us hope and joy, while aiding in our remembrance of God’s will.

Paul reveals that singing should have an important role in the life of every Christian when he says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). In this text, Paul points out two fundamental reasons why singing is an essential part of worship.

First, it is an activity that not only encourages and uplifts, but it teaches. The songs we sing teach things about God and His Word. Although we love beautiful songs, we do not sing songs just because they are pretty. We sing them because they proclaim something worthwhile. They remind us that “Jesus Is Coming Soon” and that “This World Is Not My Home.” These concepts are important and need to be continually impressed upon the minds of every Christian.

Through song we encourage each other to be “Standing On The Promises” of God. That is why Paul tells us that we need to be “speaking to one another” during this time of singing (Eph. 5:19). If you are not participating in the song service, you are missing out on an important part of worship.

Second, singing is important because we praise God and give Him glory and honor through our songs. When we sing we ought to be making melody in our hearts to the Lord. We should be singing with grace in our hearts to God. If we are doing this, God is glorified.

We often sing songs with God’s glorification directly in mind. “To God Be The Glory” and “How Great Thou Art” are songs of praise and adoration. In them we recognize who God is and what He has done for us. These songs remind us of God’s power and might and with our voices joined in song we proclaim this truth to each other and the world.

The Hebrew writer instructs us to “continually offer the sacrifice of praise to our God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). Singing is one way that we fulfill this commandment. Speaking to one another in song and singing praises to our God is a command, but it is also a privilege. It should bring joy to the heart of every Christian.