Sing Your Heart Out

Ephesians 5:18b-20
Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

A few weeks ago, my friend Bev and I took our seats in Truist Arena for a Christian music concert. Matthew West, Mercy Me, and Toby Mac took the stage. Each artist brought their own style and gift of entertainment to the show. Matthew West’s songs focused on the day to day and the joy of loving Jesus. Mercy Me added humor to their show even as they sang of God’s wonderful grace, and Toby Mac dug deep into the emotions of our hurting world. As the performers sang, we clapped and raised our hands and praised our God and Savior along with them.

The concert helped me recenter as I listened and sang along. When I’m discouraged or frustrated or simply thankful, spiritually centered music brings hope to my day. In the car by myself, I turn the volume up and sing as loud as I want, or I turn it down in a worshipful state and listen.

God gave us the gift of music. In Ephesians 5, Paul encourages singing and making music instead of doing things that disobey God. He says to make music from the heart, giving thanks to the Father.

I admit I’ve already listened to Matthew West’s new Christmas CD, which is great. Even more, I adore Christmas music because it’s just so happy and encouraging.

Whether Christmas music, hymns, contemporary music, or gospel songs—sing your heart out and praise God or listen and worship. I guarantee your spirit will be lifted.