Articles
Ways We Benefit From Singing Hymns
Hymns sung have a way of sticking in our head and memory and thus the good teaching is possibly better learned and retained for future good. Music is like that; we can often recall tunes and words of songs from many years ago.
Hymn singing follows God’s instructions. It makes one feel good to know he is doing what God wants. God says He wants us to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. As Jesus once said, to do His Father’s will is food to Him.
Hymns sometime give better articulation to our thoughts of praise and thanksgiving. Let’s be frank, some of us aren’t that good at saying what we are thinking. But, the beauty of poetic writers and the depth of their thinking enriches a layman like me.
Hymns expose us to good doctrine. It impresses me that the Lord said I want you to teach and be taught by singing hymns, not just reading the Bible. Interesting. God knows exactly what He is doing, and I will trust He knows what is good for me, and so I will use hymns as a teaching tool.
Hymns become old friends of comfort. I don’t know about you, but as much as I like new hymns, I also love an oldie, but goldie. It does a heart good to sing an old favorite. And oh how comforting it is in death, to have someone sing Dad’s or Mom’s favorite hymn as they slowly slip away. Hymns are comforting.
Hymn singing is helpful in dealing with times of trouble. Paul & Silas sung hymns after being beaten and thrown in jail. See Acts 16:25. This is hard for me to believe, but I will take the Spirit’s word for it being true.
Singing a hymn warms our hearts, as well as others. God has made us emotional creatures. And he has indicated we are to rejoice and be merry in singing spiritual songs. It is contagious, too. Maybe this is why Jesus said He wants us to not only sing alone, but to one another.
Singing enables non-readers to participate in worship. I recall in Africa singing with a group of folks, many of whom could possibly not read, or maybe they only had a few songbooks. But, the singing sounded great! Children, too can sing their children’s hymns long before they can read. You know this is true.
Singing hymns builds community. A community is built and strengthened when people do things together. There is something about a group singing hymns that draws folks together. It just does.
Hymns deepen relationship with God. When we sing praises to God we are spending time developing a lasting relationship. We know how this works in all the worldly love songs. Well how much more, the songs of love for God.
