Sing with understanding

 "For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding." - Psalm 47:7

The psalmist calls us to sing not with a powerful voice and perfect pitch but with understanding. We must understand what we are singing. The heart and mind must be engaged in the song.

To sing with understanding, the song must be inspired by the Word of God, and the singer must understand that Word, experiencing what is written within it.

A person who sings with understanding can sing "Amazing Grace" because they have understood that they are saved by that amazing grace. They can sing "Sweet Hour of Prayer" because they love to pray and understand what can be attained through prayer. They can sing "There Is Power in the Blood of the Lamb" because they know that through that blood they were redeemed, received forgiveness of sins, and were sanctified. They can sing "Trust and Obey" because they understand that the Lord is trustworthy, and they wholeheartedly obey His Word. They can sing "You Are My Hiding Place" because they know in whom their safety lies. They can sing "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" because they know that they are more valuable to God than sparrows and that the Lord takes care of them.

A person who sings with understanding can sing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" because they have comprehended the faithfulness of God throughout their life's journey. They can sing "How Great Thou Art" because they have understood the magnificence and wonder of God's creation and redemption. They can sing "It Is Well with My Soul" because they have found peace and trust in God amidst life's trials and tribulations. They can sing "Blessed Assurance" because they are certain of their salvation and the joy it brings. They can sing "In Christ Alone" because they understand the truth of their redemption through Christ. They can sing "Holy, Holy, Holy" because they comprehend the holiness and majesty of God. They can sing "I Surrender All" because they have chosen to yield their life completely to God's will.

When the words spoken in the songs reflect the reality of the singer's life, they sing with understanding. Such singing is pleasing to God.

From my diary,

November 22,  2023