Confession!
I love Psalm 98 as it is my philosophy in worship.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! (Psalm 98:4, NASB1995)
With worship, there are those who can sing, and then there is me! There are those who can be in tune (and know the meaning of “in tune”), and then there is Pastor Grant.
I have no rhythm, no melody, no harmony, and no understanding of the definition of each. I am tone deaf, and once you stand next to me in worship, you will find a different seat the next week.
It’s a lonely vigil, being Pastor Grant and worshipping by myself!
But Psalm 98 gives me permission to worship and sing anyway! I’ve become an expert in making a joyful noise!
Why should I worship? Why do I find myself wanting to worship even when I can’t sing?
Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! (v. 1)
I sing because God is doing a new thing in my life.
When I first became a Christian, I wanted to worship. When I became a pastor, I wanted to sing. When I first visited Russia, I loved to worship with my Russian brothers and sisters.
And now I’m working with Discipling Another and I want to sing.
I believe many Christians don’t see the need to worship, having lost their desire to sing, because nothing “new” is happening in their walk with Jesus. They are stuck, perhaps because of anger, bitterness, or inhibition with change.
God is a God of the new. He wants to do something different in your life and give you a new song!
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord! (vv. 5-6)
What is that new song? How do you find it? By understanding the ultimate purposes of God.
Don’t keep repeating the same verses – of a song you knew years back. An old song loses its luster, but then you get excited about hearing a new song by Elevation Worship.
What was your calling and what does God want you to do now?
Again, know the ultimate purposes of God.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God (v. 3).
The Great Commission, the gospel preached to all nations, Jesus returning soon, gifts, calling, ministry opportunities – what is God’s calling for you now?
I find when I’m not hearing God, I should worship even more. It improves my ability to hear His voice.
To hear God’s calling, start worshiping again!
Perhaps, also have some humility about why you can’t sing or haven’t been given a new song.
Okay, I must cut this Interruption short, I sent an audition tape to America’s Got Talent and I think Simon Cowell is calling.