Sing a New Song

“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” (Psalm 98:1)

Did you know the Bible talks about singing “new songs” nine different times?

Does that mean we should abandon the great classic hymns and sing only contemporary songs?  Oh no, please no! We have such a rich heritage of sacred music. I think the Bible writers are encouraging us to sing “new songs to us.”

What’s so good about new songs?

The lyrics of unfamiliar songs are fresh ways of saying ancient truths. The melodies add a touch of difference that make us think again about what we’ve always known but have lapsed into taking it for granted. New music stimulates my personal worship time and gives me new ways to express my joy and excitement about what I see God doing.

So I’m on the lookout for incredible new contemporary music.  I’ve got a growing list of songs that have recently touched my soul and I’d like to share that list with you. I would love to add some “new to me” classics but those just haven’t come across my listening devices recently.

Here’s my list.

I’ve provided Youtube links but you can find all these songs on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.

“Great Things” by Phil Wicham. I first heard this at a 60^th anniversary celebration for the church of my childhood. Oh yes, God has done great things in the life of that congregation and parallel great things in my life.

“Goodness of God,” Bethel Music. I also heard this for the first time at that same celebration. We recounted the hard moments our congregation had seen and how, through those uncertain times, we also saw the goodness of God. I wept—hard. For what it’s worth, I like the CeCe Wynans’ version. Hearing an older person sing this song seems to give the message even more credibility.

Reckless Love of God, sung by Cory Asbury. Some people have trouble describing God’s love as reckless. I don’t. The Bible describes it as lavish. And according to some earthly standards that say love should only be extended to those who derve the love,, God’s love is reckless and wasted. The songwriter’s point is that none of us deserve God’s love, especially the rich, lavish, never ending unconditional love that God offers.

Christ Be Magnified, Cody Carnes. I first heard this song at Scottsdale Bible Church when I was visiting and making arrangements to speak to their 55+ Women’s Group about the Better Than Ever story.  So appropriate. So poignant.

Yet Not I But Christ in Me, Selah or CityAlight.  What a succinct pronouncement of who Jesus is and what He is to us and within us. This song carries a message I need to constantly remember as I step forward to serve and share God’s message of hope.

Worthy Is The Lamb, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir OR Hillsong

Worthy The Lamb, Gaither Vocal Band (This is my favorite video version. Watch what Guy Penrod does.)

Same message sung two different ways, both so inspiring.

Make Room, The Church Will Sing This is my newest favorite. I heard it at a women’s event and it brought me to tears and to my knees in total surrender to our God. I find myself humming the tune and repeating the lyrics several times each day: “I’ll make room for You to do what You want to.”

What new contemporary song have you fallen in love with? Tell us about it in the comments.