I have previously confessed that poetry is intimidating to me. But just this week it connected in my brain that songs are poetry. The Psalms are the songbook of the Bible. Poetry to be sung. This realization was not necessarily a comfort.
I carry my tunes in a bucket. And I have no rhythm. Don’t feel bad for me or think I’m speaking unkindly of myself. It’s true. But this doesn’t mean my heart is not touched by sweet melody and touching words; especially when delivered through strong, confident, and vibrant voices.
Shouting, however, is another issue. In particular, shouting for joy. So when I read from Psalm 33 … well, I want to be on that worship team!
Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright.
Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
Make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. Psalm 33.1-3
Setting aside my vocal and rhythmical challenges, I was encouraged this week to consider that shouts of joy are heard as thanksgivings to the Lord. And that the new song to sing is not implying a newly-written song. But rather to sing your praises to the Lord with a new song in your heart as a response to a fresh encounter of God’s grace – His unmerited gift.
That we each can do! Lifting our voices to the Lord, always with humility and reverence, allowing the goodness and astounding grace and mercy of the Lord to supply our voice from hearts filled with gratitude to Him.
I encourage you to open your heart to what the Lord is whispering in your ear … and respond with joy and thanksgiving …
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43.1-3
Amazing!
With a new song in my heart, Colleen