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Day 29 - Singing Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs

Bible Passage

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:14-17)

 

Adoration

Can you hear the repetition? “And be thankful”; “sing...with thankfulness in your hearts to God”; and “giving thanks to God the Father through Him”. In just four verses, Paul reminds us three times to be thankful. Let us not take lightly the importance of singing thanks to God for His precious gifts to us: the peace of Christ, His word, and Christ’s sacrifice which bridges a gap between sinful man and holy God we could never cross ourselves. Worship Him in thankfulness today!

 

Meditation

Many of us even participate in worship services on a weekly basis. However, have we paused to consider why we worship?

In Colossians 3:15, Paul tells us we have been “called in one body” and now enjoy new lives in Christ, and that the peace of Christ now rules in our hearts, which must be the first reason for our worship Being “called in one body”, also means joining together with other saints in he church, so also we worship corporately. Lastly, he teaches us that we worship because we are thankful. Worship is not empty sentiment, or a habit forged by years of church attendance. Real worship springs forth from deep wells of thankfulness. The sacrificial love Christ showed us on the cross is the source of that thankfulness.

So the focus of worship is not on melody, orchestration or even lyrics. The focus of worship is instead on the One who receives our praise. Worship should be centred not on the act itself, but on the One to whom the worship is directed. Today, as we worship God in song, may our hearts overflow with gratefulness to the God who saves. Let us remember the cost of our salvation – the stripes he bore on our behalf, the shame he endured, and the tender love of the Good Shepherd.

  • Have you ever lost sight of the One we worship? Make Him your heart’s focus today.
  • Worship God for the many good gifts He has given from above. Most importantly, thank Him for the gift of salvation in Christ Jesus.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we praise You for who You are – a holy, righteous God who loves us in spite of our sin. Thank you for Your sovereign hand over all of Bible history, and Your tender, personal love for each one of us. Forgive us when our worship is lukewarm, and when we diminish the glory of who You are. Help us to know you better, and to cling to the precious gospel truths of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Let not our hearts wander, but draw us close to You through Your word and by Your Spirit. Give us worshipful hearts, that You may be glorified in our words and deeds. Amen.

Pray for:

  • Our second night of the Reformation concert, that it will bring glory to God and encouragement to the congregation.
  • GBC to be a God- centred church, thankful and worshipful.
  • Pastor Ian and Pastor Arnold as they make transitions of leadership, that they will have wisdom, grace and effectiveness in ministry.