Psalm 33:1 Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

This Psalm as a whole is very joyful, with the only negative reference I can see being the mention of death and famine in verse 19. We have no idea who wrote it, but it is certainly an expression of faith. These first few verses expressly mention the appropriateness of music in responding to God. When our hearts are right before God, it is entirely reasonable that we would respond to Him with music. Actually, a resistance to praising God in music is an indication that something isn’t right with us. The Japanese expression for “upright” literally means “straight.” When we don’t want to praise God, we’ve gotten bent somehow! All sorts of things can do that, particularly our circumstances, but as has been said, we can’t control our circumstances but we can control how we respond to them. Even in times of great sorrow and pain we can choose to fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) and rejoice that He loves us so much. I am well aware that is much more easily said than done sometimes, but if that is our desire, God will enable us to do it. And, there’s no reason not to! There is no benefit to wallowing in misery, particularly when a clear, simple alternative is available.

I feel like putting a big “ditto” on all I wrote yesterday about songs of deliverance. I was greatly blessed to be raised in a household that was not only musical, it was a household of faith, and singing to God and of God was the most natural thing ever. There are many who consider me righteous and upright, but I am so only by the grace of God. I do, however, choose to sing to and of the Lord with considerable frequency, in my heart even when not out loud. It is a great joy and privilege. I’d say that a song rises in my heart and mind most mornings when I open the Bible, and particularly now while we’re in Psalms. Sometimes I can hardly read for singing the songs that have been made from the passage! Believe me, I’m not complaining! My wife, and others who have been to heaven and come back, say that heaven is filled with music, and even the grass and trees sing praise to God. That’s certainly something to look forward to! Until I get there, however, I can taste that joy by choosing to sing praise to God in every circumstance.

Father, thank You for the incredible gift of music, of singing praise to You. May my music draw others to know and praise You as well, to swell the ranks of Your choir, (Revelation 7:9) for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!