It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your steadfast love in the morning, and Your faithfulness by night…
Psalm 92:1-2

It’s good for me to give thanks to God. It’s good for other people to hear it, too. It’s good for all the angels and demons who invisibly surround us to hear it. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,” the Lord said.

But singing His praises is a whole ‘nother level of good. I need it, my soul needs it. Whether I’m a really good singer or can hardly carry a tune, it’s still a good thing.

I don’t care much for a lot of what passes for Christian music on the radio lately, mostly because it’s not singable. It’s performance. It enables a professional to show off his or her talent. But it’s not something I can sing along with. I know some people love it; maybe it’s just a matter of personal taste. (Maybe I’m just getting old.)

Choruses that set Scripture verses to music, some of the old Gospel songs, and some of the centuries-old traditional hymns stick to my memory and fill my heart with wonder and praise. I find myself humming them under my breath, whistling them as I drive, repeating the words in my mind when I lie awake at night.

It’s a good thing.

Lord, fill my heart, my mind, my soul with the music of praise. Bring thanksgiving out of my mouth instead of angry, vulgar, evil words. Let the full effect of these good things wash through me today, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles