| Sing to the Lord - article by Joel Hempel Did you hear Andrea Bocelli sing ‘Nessun dorma’ at the opening ceremony of the Olympics? Every time I listen to him sing so beautifully and effortlessly, my heart sings. In fact, at home, as I hear myself sing, I sound just like Andrea. Then I wake up! I always wanted to be a great singer, but I’d settle for being able to sing well enough. But sadly, since few songs are written in my limited range, I don’t sing except in my heart and when I’m alone. Sing to the Lord! Singing is a precious gift that should not be taken for granted, especially if one can carry a tune. A quick Google search offers the following most notable benefits: Singing is important for holistic well-being, offering significant physical, mental, and social benefits by reducing stress (lowering cortisol), boosting the immune system, improving lung function, enhancing cognitive skills like memory and focus, building confidence and self-esteem, fostering social connection, and providing a powerful emotional outlet. It acts as a full-brain workout, engaging multiple neural networks simultaneously for a rich, integrative experience.1 Wow! It seems that singing is not only a way to praise God but also provides incredible benefits to the one singing. Imagine that! God created such an outlet that can not only glorify Him, but also enrich our lives. Make a joyful noise, the Psalmist admonishes.2 My dad told the story of his dad (a German immigrant pastor) who once interrupted the congregation in the middle of a hymn to reprimand them for singing timidly. He insisted that God gave all of us a voice to praise him, so sing! He chided.3 Back then, it worked. The congregation sang more robustly. I don’t know what it sounded like, but I’m sure it was music to God’s ears! Of course, there is singing, and then there is singing. Some songs have beautiful lyrics and melodies that lift you. Other songs, not so much. I don’t know music, but I can certainly tell you when music lifts my spirit and sends my emotions soaring, and when it leaves me flat. Perhaps it is the same for you. Bottom line, music, Gospel music, is critical for individual well-being, and crucial for community outreach. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.4 For those who wander in or walk into our fellowship of believers, it is the Gospel God wants them to hear, the joy of our salvation – if not shouted, then certainly proclaimed.
1. Google’s AI summary. 2. Psalm 100:1 3. My grandfather was a pastor in Dimock, SD, and Nicollet, MN. 4. Psalm 71:23. Also see Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12; and Psalm 95:1-2. | 
