Let men their songs employ (from “Joy to the World”)

By Kae Habel Corpuz
Cebu City, Philippines

Scripture Reading:
Exodus 15:1-21
Psalm 33
Colossians 3:16

Music is one of the most effective and universal ways of communication.  So effective that even babies inside their mother’s womb react to the sounds they hear. Amazing, right?

God designed humans to have a unique ability to experience music. We can identify tunes, understand lyrics, create melodies, sing along, or simply enjoy the pleasure of listening. However you experience music, isn’t it clear that God made us for worship?

The ancient people in the Bible didn’t only love to sing, but they used songs to express their awe, gratitude, faith, and love for God. It wasn’t merely entertainment, but a way of life.

A Way of Life

Moses and the people of Israel sang to the Lord after God safely delivered them from the Egyptians across the Red Sea (Exodus 15:1).

Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang to the Lord on the day they subdued Jabin and his army (Judges 5:1).

David sang to the LORD when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul (2 Samuel 22:1). (David really loved singing songs to God; so much so, that he wrote 72 more psalms to the Lord!)

These great women and men, and so many more people in the Bible, responded to events in their life through singing. And they weren’t singing to just anyone; they sang to the Lord! They sang to the Lord when they were happy, sad, fearful, hopeful, angry, and grateful. They sang to proclaim His goodness and power.

Sing in Every Season

Are you happy? Sing! Are you fearful? Sing! Sing to the Lord in every season of your life.

What’s truly remarkable is that God loves music too! He loved hearing people make music and sing songs to Him so much that He compiled His top 150 favorites into one book and included it in the Bible - the Psalms!

God enjoys it when He hears us sing! His heart leaps in joy and excitement each time we sing and shout. He doesn’t mind whether we’ve hit the right notes or not. What matters most to Him is to see us with the right heart.

Singing may not be the only way for us to communicate to God, but it is one of the most special, intimate ways to speak to Him. As we sing, our calloused hearts start to soften and we slowly feel Him, closer and closer with every note and lyric, until we enter a solitary moment where it’s just us and God. Wonderful, isn’t it?

Sing praises to God, sing praises;
    sing praises to our King, sing praises.

Psalm 47:6 NIV

When we understand that God deserves our praises, when we acknowledge who God is in our lives – that He is our King, the Lord of lords, the Creator of heaven and earth – worship becomes a natural response.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Colossians 3:16 NIV

And as we allow His words to dwell in our hearts and fill our lives, His words will come out from our lips and turn to beautiful melodies.

Questions for Reflection:

1.      What usually prompts you to sing? Joy? Sorrow? Gratitude? Fear?
2.      How does singing to the Lord impact your relationship with God?  How does it impact your faith and trust in God?

Today I Will:

What is your favorite song or hymn to God or about God? Sing it! Don’t let this day end without an offering of praise.

About the Author:

Kae Habel-Corpuz got baptized in 2006 in ICOC Cebu and served in various ministries there for more than 14 years. Together with her husband, Mike, she now oversees the North Zone of ICOC Quezon City and the singles ministry of ICOC Philippines. Kae is also a member of the worship ministry. She has a bachelor’s degree in accountancy and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She works as a loans officer in one of the top three banks in the Philippines. Kae is passionate about inspiring women to embrace their God-given talents and use them to make a difference. As a kingdom kid, she has a vision to see the next generation of women taking on more roles in building God’s church.

To hear a special version of "Joy to the World" sung by your sister Amy Kinzer, click the image below: