"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth:
make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."
Psalm 98:4; Ephesians 5:19
In the Bible we are called dozens of times to sing and praise God. In this blog I will discuss the effects that singing can have. And also the purpose of singing according to the Bible.
Music has a major impact on people and therefore also on their health. It affects our bodies, our emotions and our behavior. Depending on the type of music, the effect is positive or negative. In this blog I'm talking about music and singing that is in accordance with the principles in the Bible or does not go against them.
Physical Effects
Singing trains various muscles in the body. Think of the muscles in the face, throat and chest. For singing it is also important to adopt a good, upright posture. That also trains several muscles. In addition, singing ensures that you breathe deeply and powerfully. This improves lung capacity and helps to breathe a little easier. This can have added value, especially for lung patients and people with Parkinson's.
According to several scientific studies, listening to music and singing hymns lowers blood pressure by reducing stress and anxiety. I read a case study of a woman who had to undergo surgery. Despite taking her medication, her blood pressure was high. Just before the operation, her blood pressure values became so dangerously high that the surgery had to be postponed. The woman sang some spiritual songs, after which her blood pressure dropped. After more singing, the blood pressure was and remained acceptable and the woman could be operated on successfully.[1]
Psychological Effects
Music influences our brains. Listening to classical music can increase learning ability and IQ.
Singing causes the production of endorphins and oxytocin: hormones that reduce stress and anxiety. As a result, it can reduce pain and make us feel more comfortable. Many studies also show that people who listen to music or regularly sing in a group indicate that they feel better mentally. More specifically, they report being less anxious, experiencing a better mood and quality of life. They are also better able to cope with illness and the risk of depression is smaller.
A good example from the Bible about the effect of music on the mind can be found in 1 Samuel 16. David plays for King Saul when an evil spirit comes over him. The music is a relief for Saul.
Social Effects
Music and singing connect people. Singing together creates more contacts with others and positive feelings for those with whom we work. It also increases our empathy.
It's good to know that we don't have to be a very good singer to experience the positive effects of singing.
Sing a new song
As mentioned at the outset, the Bible calls us many times to sing. Sometimes to sing together, sometimes to sing with instruments, often to be merry and more often to sing to God and praise Him.
A well-known phrase is: sing a new song. We see it nine times in the Bible. Namely in Psalm 33:3, 40:3, 96:1, 98:1, 144:9, 149:1, Isaiah 42:10 and Revelation 5:9 and 14:3. Let's study these passages a little further to see what it has to say to us.
By who
In Revelation 5, the four living creatures and the 24 elders sing. In the 14th chapter, the 144,000 sing a new song. Only they can learn that song. Psalm 33 also tells something about who sings a new song: “Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.” Psalm 33:1. It is a special experience we live through in faith that moves us to sing a new song.
For whom
We need not doubt Whom the new song is sung to. “Praise the LORD, … praise unto our God, … sing to the LORD. … O sing unto the LORD a new song. ... I will sing a new song unto thee, O God.” Psalm 33; Psalm 40; Psalm 96, 98 and 149 and Isaiah 42; Psalm 144
The song is sung to praise God.
Why
As we study the scriptures further, we find three aspects of God, why we praise Him in song.
The first reason to praise Him, is that God is the Creator of everything.
“For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. … Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein.” Psalm 33:9; Isaiah 42:5
Psalm 149:2 says, “Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.” In addition to Creator, this text also mentions the second aspect: God is King.
Psalm 96 also gives God's kingship as a reason to praise Him. “For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. … O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth.” Psalm 96:4, 9-10.
The third aspect is that God is Judge. He judges us. Fortunately, God sent His Son to earth. We should know that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He has conquered death and is risen! Our debt has been paid off in full. Isn't that an important reason to praise God in song?
“For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
...Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
…Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.”
Psalm 33:4-5; Psalm 96:12-13; Psalm 98:8-9
Testimony
When we sing, not only will God hear it, but also the people around us. In this way we bear testimony of what God has done for us. We receive this command in Psalm 96:1-3: “O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.”
Psalm 40:3 promises the effect: “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”
The Song of the Lamb
I have already mentioned many Bible verses. In closing, I would like to share with you a few verses from Revelation 15, for in these are the words of a new song—the song of the Lamb. This includes the components mentioned above. Those who sing have had an important, personal experience with God and are singing to worship and praise Him as Creator, Almighty King and Judge. Revelation 15:2-4:
"And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty;
just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?
for thou only art holy:
for all nations shall come and worship before thee;
for thy judgments are made manifest."
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