Come before his presence with singing. Psalm 100:2
There is a reason church services begin with singing. It is protocol: “Come before his presence with singing” (Ps. 100:2). The word “singing” conveys the idea of shouting for joy. It literally means to sound the glad voice of triumph. God says that men are to approach Him “with singing.” He wants us to come to Him with rejoicing, celebration, and shouts of praise.
An entire book of the Bible is dedicated to singing. Psalms is the Old Testament hymnbook. It contains 150 psalms, which are songs. One of them states, “Let us . . . make a joyful noise unto him with psalms” (Ps. 95:2). The phrase “joyful noise” means to split the ears, or shout for joy. Unfortunately, the only shouting in most churches happens in the business meetings! But Scripture combines singing with joyful shouting. A dead song service is both a tragedy and a travesty. God’s presence commands lively singing.
I have heard it said that God has given us three things to refresh the soul: nature, friendship, and music. Life is hard, and we need continual refreshment. People go to the beach or the mountains to recharge; nature has a way of readjusting our attitudes. Friendship is also a tonic for weary souls; companionship is refreshing. Music too has the amazing ability to lift us—an exhilarating song elevates sinking souls. David’s harp playing was the medium that drove the evil spirit from King Saul (see 1 Sam. 16:23). Music has the capacity to liberate and revitalize our souls.
A powerful imperative on this is found in the New Testament: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). We must sing from our hearts to the Lord. This verse instructs us to sing “to the Lord,” not just about Him.
The spirit of the music and of the person leading congregational music is as important as the style of music. Worship must be heartfelt. Music is to rise from grace-filled hearts to the Lord Himself. I absolutely love the singing in a revived atmosphere. Spirit-filled people sing at the top of their lungs from the bottom of their hearts. There is nothing on Earth that compares with full-bore praise from spiritually revived Christians. A dull song service dishonors God. It is an insult to Him. Singing at church is not a “filler”—something to take up time. Nor is it meant to be a platform for human talent. It is God’s chosen means for us to enter His presence and worship Him.
God appointed singers and musicians under the old covenant worship system. The Christian faith has deep roots that combine adoration with proclamation. Churches today desperately need Spirit-filled people to lead believers in worship. When those leading are in step with the Spirit, there is tremendous freedom. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Cor. 3:17). If those leading are enjoying the songs, it gives permission to the congregation to enjoy the worship also. Music can never replace preaching, but it is vitally important.
Music should be a tool in our personal devotions. It prepares our hearts to read the Word and pray. Before our Bible study and prayer times, we should come before the Lord with singing. If we have musical ability, we can play and sing ourselves. If we lack musical ability, we can identify songs that magnify God and liberate our spirits (today’s technology makes it easy for us to do this) and spend time listening to these songs during our devotional times. Praise is faith set to music. This is why we should spend time singing to the Lord. “Come before His presence with singing.”
Reflection
- God wants us to approach Him with rejoicing, celebration, and shouts of praise.
- Music has the capacity to liberate and revitalize the soul.
- “Make a joyful noise unto him with psalms” (Ps. 95:2). The phrase “joyful noise” means to split the ears, or shout for joy.
- Worship must be heartfelt. Music is to rise from grace-filled hearts to the Lord Himself.
Application
- Identify and collect songs that magnify God in your heart.
- “Come before his presence with singing” (Ps. 100:2). Start your day with music. This is God’s prescribed way to come before Him.
- Your worship in public at church should be an extension of your private time with the Lord. Heartily sing His praises, first privately and then publicly.
- Utilize the singing protocol daily, especially in seasons of adversity and difficulty.
This chapter is from “Approaching God’s Throne: Protocols For Prayer” by Harold Vaughan.
