Sing a New Song

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.

—Psalm 96:1

The Psalms have plenty to say about singing to the Lord. King David, who wrote many psalms, was a musician and singer, so it would make sense for him to mention singing to God often. A classic worship song says, “I will celebrate/sing to the Lord a new song.” Yet, what does it mean to sing a new song to the Lord? What was the old one, and why should singing a new one make us celebrate?

Psalm 96 itself doesn’t give an answer, but the Bible as a whole does. Throughout the Bible, God’s people were put in positions where if they sang at all, it was likely a song of mourning. The enslaved Israelites in Egypt and the Jews taken captive to Babylon are only two of many examples. Their songs, or the way they lived their lives, were likely dirges, reflections of hopelessness.

Therefore, singing a new song to the Lord probably reflects a change not only of circumstances, but also of heart. Singing a new song indicates we’ve remembered God’s love for us, and trust everything He does comes from that love. When we sing a new song, we do want to celebrate because God has renewed our joy in who He is and who we are in Him.

Perhaps you need to sing a new song today. If so, start by acknowledging the difficulties that have contributed to your old song. Journal them, pray about them or talk them through with family, friends or a counselor. Then meditate on verses, books or other outlets that remind you of the joy God wants to give you. If so moved, you can write your own psalm or song and speak it in prayer, or sing it.