By: Juliet Constantine

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Ephesians 5:18-19)
 

People have different ways of releasing their stress – some physical, mental or psychological. Some will eat, some exercise, while some will turn to the wine bottle and just drown their sorrows down. The Apostle Paul cautions that excess wine will make you drunk so it is not wise to use it as a stress reliever. Instead, you are to speak God’s words back to yourself, saturate yourself with hymns and spiritual songs as you make melody in your heart to the Lord.

Now, you do not need to be a great singer to make melody in your heart. I love to sing and I am often reminded that I am tone deaf. But still I sing, making a joyful noise unto the Lord. Singing does something for me – it takes my mind off my problems and helps me to reflect on God, our problem solver. It improves my outlook and attitude towards whatever I am faced with and makes it seems more manageable.

According to HowStuffWorks.com, on the physical effects of singing, “All types of singing have positive psychological effects. The act of singing releases endorphins, the brain's "feel good" chemicals. Singing in front of a crowd … naturally builds confidence, which has broad and long-lasting effects on general well-being.”

Also, barbershop.org, on the health benefits of singing, noted that “singing strengthens the immune system”. It noted that the result of many studies done over the years on health benefits of singing is overwhelming, some of which are: “Singing releases endorphins into your system and makes you feel energized and uplifted. People who sing are healthier than people who don’t. Singing gives the lungs a workout, singing tones abdominal and intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, and stimulates circulation. Singing makes us breathe more deeply than many forms of strenuous exercise, so we take in more oxygen, improve aerobic capacity and experience a release of muscle tension as well.”

So there you have it. The scientific World concurs with the Apostle. So sing. Singing is good for you and it will prolong your life. Sing when you are happy and sing when you are sad. Sing because His grace is real to you.

Sing the clouds away, night will turn to day, if you sing and sing and sing you’ll drive the clouds away. The words of this childhood song are still true today. When you sing, its like the weight is lifted and you feel free, empowered to go on. There’s no need for strong drink, cigarettes, or even increase food intake – all you need to do is just sing. Keep a song in your heart and you will be singing as the days go by.

Our Father and our God, to You be all praise and adoration. We lift our hearts and our hands to You in praise and thanksgiving. Please help us to always seek to praise You in spite of our circumstances. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)