Today's Word 🌱

 

"Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day."

- Psalm 96: 1, 2

Anyone who is aware of Trinidadian culture may be aware that we are right in the middle of the season of Carnival, which means there are many events and competitions that have the place abuzz with activity.

This week, I was given the opportunity to accompany some students to a calypso competition for school children. This was admittedly my first time attending an event like this, so I was unsure as to what to expect. However, as I sat and took it in, I observed several finalists competing for the first prize, performing well-crafted calypso compositions, using creativity, rhyme, rhythm, props, social awareness and confidence to impress the judges. The winner eventually emerged - an eight-year old boy, who, in his song, paid tribute to past legendary calypsonians and vowing to keep the artform of calypso alive.

8-yr old Xaiden Darius wins the 2025 Junior Monarch Calypso Competition

As I reflected on this experience, one of the things that stood out to me was the fact that every year, competition participants, invest a lot of time, effort and resources. They collaborate with mentors, with the intention of composing and singing completely new and original songs that resonate with, and appeal to their target audience. They really do produce some admirable works of lyrical art!

The joy and inspiration of creating a new song is not limited to the secular experience however. Did you know that there are biblical examples of persons singing new songs also? For example, after coming through the Red Sea and experiencing deliverance, the Israelites experienced a renewed sense of respect and trust for God, and Moses and Miriam with voice and timbrels, lead the Israelites in singing a new song of praise and remembrance of the timely help of God. Can you imagine Moses singing? [Exodus 15]🙂

How about David, the psalmist, who through every experience of his life, composed original prayers and songs, which resonate with our human experiences even today. In His creative expression, He drew closer to God. In Psalm 96:1-2, he goes further to encourage all readers and listeners to "sing a new song to the Lord", for God deserves and accepts our every praise.

“Music was made to serve a holy purpose, to lift the thoughts to that which is pure, noble, and elevating, and to awaken in the soul devotion and gratitude to God.” - EG White

Another instance in the Bible where we see a new song being mentioned is in Revelation. In Revelation 5:8-9, the twenty-four elders around the throne in heaven, holding golden bowls of incense of the prayers of God's people, bow and worship, singing a new song to the Lamb, because He was worthy. They reverently acknowledge His sacrifice made for humanity and honour Him in song.

Interestingly, while the lyrics for most new songs mentioned in the Bible were mentioned, the one that intrigues my imagination the most is the one that is mentioned in Revelation 14:1-3 which says:

Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.

And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.

And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

As you may notice, this particular group of individuals numbering 144,000 (be it literal or figurative) that have been redeemed at the end of time, seem to have had a unique and shared experience on earth that only they can understand and have an appreciation for. This new song was therefore coming from the depths of their heart and this time, as they sing it before the throne of God, the twenty-four elders who have been singing previously are now listening to them. What a scene! I can only imagine what the lyrics of their new song would be like.

A new song can be unique to each one of us, and more importantly, one that holds God at its centre. I am inspired to want to have a deep enough experience with my God, one that inspires love, creativity, and lyrical devotion to Him. One may ask what if I cannot sing? Penning a verse of poetry can always have a melodious tune added on afterwards. Through our joys and our sorrows, our smiles and our tears, our aches and our pains, our thoughts are lifted up to the One who sustains us, and gives us breath. God desires and enjoys our creative expression and dedication to Him in all phases of our lives. Shall we sing a new song to the Lord today? 🙂

Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord! -Psalm 150:6

Prayer

Our Father, thank you for the blessing of song and music. May the creative talents that you bless us with, no matter how small, serve to honour and glorify You always, through our good and bad times, and in between. Our praises bless you as much as it blesses us. We want to bless You with all our being, and as we draw closer to You, may our words and our songs reflect such. Save and redeem us to Yourself, and may we too have a song to sing that is unique to us and pleases You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Do enjoy this well-known hymn that was inspired by the words of David. Be blessed 🙏🏼🙂🎧

Sing a New Song to the Lord [Melissa Oretade]