by Berenice Ramos |
Bachelors in Education, with a specialty in teaching English
I still remember how, when I was little, we visited churches every Sabbath in the towns near our city. Whenever I traveled with my brother and my cousins, we loved to sing hymns—on the way to church, and even conferences, and on the way back home. It did not matter if it was day or night. Our trips were much more pleasant because singing inevitably brings happiness to both singers and listeners. Remember how the ancient Israelites made their pilgrimage through the desert accompanied by the sounds of songs of praise. God still invites us to make our lives of pilgrimage on this earth joyful with singing.
Scientific studies have even proven that singing benefits those who participate, but, basically, I wish to emphasize some of the benefits of singing that God shows us through His Word.
Singing helps us remember spiritual truths.
Singing "has the power to subdue rude and uncultivated natures" – Education, p. 167. In the book Patriarchs and Prophets, we can read of how David sang and played his harp to calm Ding Saul.
It helps with education.
When singing pure, sweet songs in our homes and in our schools, there will be fewer words of censorship and more happiness. Students will be brought closer to God, the teachers, and one another.
Singing fights discouragement.
Recall how Paul and Silas encouraged each other as they “sang praises unto God” (Acts 16:25) in the middle of the night. “Song is a weapon that we can always use against discouragement. As we thus open the heart to the sunlight of the Saviour’s presence, we shall have health and His blessing.” – The Ministry of Healing, p. 254.
Singing also strengthens spiritual life.
In the times of the apostle Paul music often accompanied learning and teaching. Remember how he encouraged the church in Colossians 3:16 – “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Work becomes a happier experience. “Make your work pleasant with songs of praise.” – Child Guidance, p. 148.
What is the best way to face temptation? “With a song, Jesus in His earthly life met temptation.” – The Voice in Speech and Song, p. 412. Just as Christ often expressed His joy by singing psalms and heavenly hymns, thus keeping in contact with heaven, we are called to follow His example through praising God. Like the psalmist, we can say: “I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being"(Psalm 104:33).
Singing brings about physical, psychological, and social benefits.
- When we sing, the hormones endorphin and oxytocin are released. They generate a feeling of comfort. Endorphin is associated with feelings of pleasure. Oxytocin is known as the hormone of love and happiness.
- Singing strengthens immunity, thus promoting a healthy lymphatic system.
- By reducing blood pressure, singing calms the singer.
- The act of singing improves breathing. Deep breathing improves blood circulation and oxygen flow.
- Because of the release of oxytocin, anxiety and stress are decreased.
- Social connections are promoted. Choral singing especially creates opportunities to form friendships and work as a harmonious team.
- Happiness is almost inevitable, because depression and loneliness are reduced by singing.
- Singing improves cognition. Some studies have shown that the IQs of musicians and singers are higher than those who are not involved with music.
- Singing leads to a longer life. One report concluded that singing improves physical and mental health and thus results in a lengthened life expectancy.
- Singing is especially important for children, because it boosts their memories, general learning, reading abilities, understanding of math, and abilities to think things through.
As we have seen, we have many reasons--in all aspects of our daily lives to sing. The main reason, however, is to raise our voices in praise to our Creator. "For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised" (1 Chronicles 16:25).
by Berenice Ramos |
Bachelors in Education, with a specialty in teaching English
