Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.
Psalm 59:17 (KJV)
Not every plan we implement this year will bring the success we crave. The first step to a successful year is to realize a one-size-fits-all plan is not the answer. Just as our dreams and journeys are personal, our plans should be designed for us, too.
Another reason our strategy should be personalized is that complicated plans are abandoned, while easy plans often leave out crucial elements for the sake of reaching the goal. Discovering the perfect steps to help us obtain our objectives may take a while. Still, we shouldn’t give up. Meanwhile, we succeed anytime we obey the Word of God. Guaranteed.
5 STEPS for Success in 2025 is a simple way to reach daily goals. I want to share Step 1 today.
Sing for Spiritual Renewal
Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Psalm 30:4 (KJV)
If remembering God’s holiness is the only reason we sing, then let us sing for that reason alone. Of course, there are other reasons for an aria.
Something happens when we sing.
If you think the commandment to sing is for God’s benefit alone, you’re mistaken. A physical, mental, and spiritual shift occurs when we lift our voices in song. For instance, our physical bodies are changed. We move beyond the pain and heartache. We break spiritual chains and win wars. We walk in victory.
When Paul and Silas were in Philippi, they were beaten with many stripes and thrown in prison. But they didn’t quit.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
Acts 16:25-26 (KJV)
Another example is Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. When he faced three armies, he cried unto the Lord for a plan. The Lord answered his prayer.
Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
2 Chronicles 20:17 (KJV)
Jehoshaphat appointed singers to go before the army. (How would you feel about that plan? 😊)
And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
2 Chronicles 20:22 (KJV)
Sing for Physical Renewal
Did you know that something happens in, and to, your body when you sing?
For instance, the left side of the brain is responsible for speech. With it, we construct sentences. However, the right side is responsible for creativity, which involves rhythm and melody. When we sing, both sides of our brains light up! That’s why people who stutter can sing their words without any difficulty.
Singing also strengthens the lungs. A great exercise is to sing or hum while walking or running. And that’s not all! Belting out our favorite tune improves memory because we focus on several things, like music, rhythm, and words.
Singing can also reduce anxiety and stress, thereby reducing cortisol. Can anyone say belly fat?
Another reason to sing is that singing releases endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s painkillers.
Serotonin improves sleep, boosts moods, and helps control appetites.
Dopamine helps a person feel pleasure and motivation. It plays a key role in learning, memory, mood, and sleep.
Oxytocin is released in different ways. A few are laughter, exercise, music, and ultraviolet light. A reason we need to spend time in the sun. It relieves stress and anxiety, builds trust, and affects our moods.
As you can see, there are many different reasons to sing. So grab your favorite playlists, radio, or CD, and sing your favorite song while walking in the sunshine!
Your Turn
Share your favorite worship songs and hymns in the comments. Have a wonderful week!
Articles to Read
Endorphins: The brain’s natural pain reliever – Harvard Health Publishing
The Science Behind Singing: What Happens When We Sing? – London Singing Institute
The World’s Most Accessible Stress Reliever – bbc.com
What to Know About Oxytocin Hormone – WebMD
Gail Johnson 
Music soothes the soul like nothing else. I have too many favorites to list. Choir practice remains one of my favorite activities of each week.
I love to get together with other singers. When my family gets together, the instruments come out, and the fun begins. Thanks for reading, Diana! 🤎
I’m going vintage with a song from the 60s by The Byrds. I love to sing Turn, Turn, Turn based on Ecclesiastes 3! (Also fun to add some dancing too!)
I like that song! Dancing gets your cardio in for the day. 😄 Thanks for commenting!
Win-Win!
😆
As a worship leader, I recall that in the 70’s and 80’s we sang many choruses that were directly from scripture word for word. Many hymns also are based on biblical passages or at least reflect sound doctrine. But even today there are songs like “The Blessing,” which are word for word from the Bible.
I’ll have to check that one out. Thanks for the recommendation.
Another great benefit is that when we sing God’s word, it has a way of putting down deep roots in our hearts.
True! That’s one reason I enjoy the old hymns. Older worship songs had scriptures woven in them. Thanks for reading and commenting!
My favorite hymn is “I Stand All Amazed.” I also love Amazing Grace. “Oh My Soul” from Casting Crowns and “Even If” from MercyMe are some of my favorite worship songs. I know I’m feeling good when I’m singing.
Those are great ones, Judy! Singing does make a person feel good. Thanks for reading! 🥰
I agree, Betty. Im not sure if I’ve heard those songs. I’ll have to check them out. Thanks for reading and the recommendation. 🤎
I love to listen to praise and worship as I walk. One of my favorites is Call On Heaven—Passion 2024. Fall Like Rain is a favorite in that collection. Anytime I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I put that on. There is such power in praise!
Music and singing has always been a part of my life since I was very young. But I had no idea of all the many benefits it provides in all aspects of our lives.
Good afternoon, Stephanie! I’m with you about the music and singing. When I think of the different seasons of life, I can mark each one with a song. While writing a worship song, I recalled Psalm 32:7. …thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Singing is beneficial in so many ways! Happy singing! 🥰