A psalm is defined as a song of praise or a sacred song.  An example would be "The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want".  A hymn is a song of praise or thanksgiving or joy, such as "The Lord's Supper".  A spiritual song is an ode, a lengthy lyrical poem characterized by exalted style in praise to God.  One example might be "Majesty". 

One of the earliest accounts of singing as an act of praise to God is recorded in Exodus 15.  Moses and the children of Israel sang a song of praise to God for the triumph over the Egyptian army.  In Judges 5, Deborah and Barak sang a song to celebrate the victory over the Canaanite army.  Shortly before his death, Moses delivered a song to the assembly of Israel in Deuteronomy 32.  He admonished the people to take seriously the words, emphasizing the teaching component of songs.  According to Acts 16, Paul and Silas, while in prison, were singing hymns to God. 

God's word only authorizes two instruments in our singing, our voices and hearts.  We must always remember our singing is to praise our Creator and teach one another.  Through our songs, we teach about God, the gospel, faith, hope, joy, love, sacrifice, and courage. 

We are blessed at Fairview Park to have a membership that is committed to our singing and we should all be moved by the beauty of voices blending together to praise God.  There are too many beautiful and touching lyrics to list them all in this column but here are two examples.  In the song "Our Fellowship", the following phrase appears:  "One day, we hope to sing with them the hymn composed beyond, and with thy congregation form an everlasting bond".  In "The New Song", we sing "I know some day when I have older grown, my voice will not be strong; but if good seed for Jesus I have sown, with angels I'll belong".  Both of these songs teach us about our hope of heaven!

 - The Elders