HAVE YOU LOST YOUR SONG?
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, April 25, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
HAVE YOU LOST YOUR SONG?
By Michael D. O’Neal……Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church……Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Ps. 137:1-9
Text: Ps. 137:4
Psalms 137:4 How shall we sing the LORD’S song in a strange land?
Introduction: Singing can be done as an expression of sorrow (“the blues,” much country western music), but it is more often used in scripture in times of rejoicing. It is also connected with worship toward God. The problem in our text was that the Lord’s people were carried into captivity. They had lost their song. Many of God’s people today have lost their song. They do not have the joy, the excitement, and the devotion toward God that they should have.
Have you lost your song? What took your song?
I. DID PERSECUTION DISCOURAGE YOUR SINGING?
Matthew 13:20-21 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
A. Salvation can bring persecution; sing anyway
B. Service can bring persecution; sing anyway
C. Separation can bring persecution; sing anyway
D. The scriptures can bring persecution; sing anyway
* 1. John was exiled for the word of God
E. Soul-winning can bring persecution; sing anyway!
II. DID PAIN DROWN OUT YOUR SINGING?
2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
A. Pain brings conflict between flesh and spirit
B. Pain can bring complaining
C. Pain can bring crying out to God for help
D. Pain can bring Christ to strengthen
E. Pain can bring a crown in glory
III. DID PEOPLE DISRUPT YOUR SINGING?
John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
A. Sometimes people lie to us and it takes away our song
B. Sometimes people leave us and it takes away our song
C. Sometimes people laugh at us and it takes away our song
IV. DID PRIORITIES DISPLACE YOUR SINGING?
(You remember the story of the invitation to the marriage supper. A marriage supper would be a time of rejoicing and singing. Those who made excuses lost out on that song.)
Luke 14:16-20 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
A. Land and property can displace our song (“a piece of ground”)
B. Living can displace our song (“five yoke of oxen”)
C. Love can displace our song (“a wife”)
V. DID POLLUTION DESTROY YOUR SINGING?
Psalms 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
It is difficult to sing when:
A. Your conscience is disturbed
B. Christ is displeased
C. Chastisement is deserved
How to sing the Lord’s song in a strange land:
A. Learn the Lord’s song well when you are at home.
B. Live the Lord’s song.
C. Love the Lord’s song.