Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!

Psalm 96:1

The psalms often invite us to sing a “new song” to God. Do you ever wonder, like I do, “Why a new song? What’s wrong with the old ones?” We all have favorite songs. They express our thoughts, our emotions, our reactions to life’s experiences. Music and words together have a powerful impact.

But why a new song? Perhaps because God’s gifts come new to us each morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Also, God is actively working in us each new day, through His Word and our experiences. Today, as I experience God’s gifts and His workings anew, perhaps it’s all my responses — my thoughts and emotions, my praises — that are today’s new song.

“Sing a new song” sounds like a command, but Psalm 96 shows it’s an invitation to join the psalmist in response to God’s new-each-day gifts.

Karen Kogler
Palatine, IL

Father, help me see today’s mercies and respond with today’s new song. Amen.

Reflect: What specific gifts are you praising God for today?

Read: Psalm 40 and Psalm 96