KEEP A PSALM OR SONG OF PRAISE IN YOUR HEART

Proclamation:

“… Sing and make music from your heart to The Lord, always giving thanks to God, The Father, for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Ephesus.  He begins this chapter by telling them to walk in love, just as Christ loved them. (Ephesians 5:1-2)  Then he tells them to avoid improper behavior. (Ephesians 5:3-6)  He also tells them to let no one deceive them or lead them into darkness for they are children of the light. (Ephesians 5:6-14)  He warns them to be very careful about how they live. (Ephesians 5:15-18)  Then he encourages them to be “filled with The Spirit” and to sing from their heart unto The Lord, always giving thanks for everything. (Ephesians 5:18-20)  He ends the chapter with instructions for Christian households, explaining how husbands and wives should treat one another. (Ephesians 5:21-33)

Application:

Paul encouraged the believers to speak to one another with “psalms, hymns, and songs from The Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:19)  The best way for us to do this is to have a psalm or song of praise in our heart as we interact with one another.  As believers we all have a reason to sing for joy, regardless of our present situation. (James 1:2)  We ought to always be thankful for everything, because all things work together for our good. (Romans 8:28)