Sing a New Song

"BY JORDAN MAYER

"Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!"
(Psalm 96:1)

Recently, I have been praying through some challenges and frustrations at work, seeking God's wisdom and His intervention in these circumstances. As difficult as it has been, I've been so grateful and encouraged by God's faithfulness through this time. It has grown my faith in new ways as I've had to rely and seek Him daily in these things. There is something marvelous that happens when we surrender control and simply watch God work. Already I have seen God's hand in amazing ways, masterfully weaving His good plans and purposes through my life's circumstances.

A few days ago I read through Psalm 96 which begins with this exhortation to "sing to the Lord a new song"!

Why a new song I asked myself?

The Bible is filled with many new things: new morning mercies (Lamentations 3:23), new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), new hearts (Ezekiel 36:26), new selves (Ephesians 4:24), new ways (Hebrews 10:20).

When God does a new thing, we need a new song! New songs befit new mercies, new blessings, and new deliverances. The old, faithful hymns are precious reminders of God's goodness and faithfulness of old. But in light of the present day graces, the mid morning mercies, and the end of day blessings, a new song must rise.

The song is all our own, but the Psalmist provides a pattern.

We bless His name! We tell of His salvation! We declare His glory and proclaim His marvelous works! We lift up our offering of worship and praise!

As I was looking up this idea of "singing a new song", I came across a few instances in Revelation. In chapter 5, John sees God enthroned in glory with a mysterious scroll in His hand. The scroll is sealed and, though there were many present, no one was found worthy to open the scroll. At this news John begins to weep. But in a dramatic turn of events, the Lamb steps forward to receive the scroll and the scene is instantly changed. There is another "new song" that arises from the heavenly throngs.

"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on earth'" (Revelation 5:9-10).

And a moment later, the chorus breaks out in full and John captures what he sees and hears.

"Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!' And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!' And the four living creatures said, 'Amen!' and the elders fell down and worshipped" (Revelations 5:11-14).

What song will you sing to the Lord today, for all that He is and all that He has done?