Almost every church sing different songs, with different bands, at different volumes, however central to the Christian faith is that we sing and express our faith. The words that we sing week in and week out fashion our beliefs about God and shape our spirituality. That’s why good theology and Bible-based songs are important because as we sing these words penetrate our hearts and minds.

Sometimes (or maybe, often) we don’t feel like singing. There are loads of reasons why – maybe we don’t particularly like the song on a basic level. Maybe it’s not to our normal taste – although such things shouldn’t stop us. Other times, the reason can be a little deeper. It’s tough to sing about how happy you are when you don’t feel happy. It’s hard to sing “I trust in you” when you aren’t sure that you do. Singing can be the last thing we feel like doing when we’re suffering.

And yet, when it boils down to it, we should sing, regardless of our feelings. The truth of the words we’re singing doesn’t alter because we aren’t experiencing them. We worship because of God’s worth, not because we’re having a good time in life. In fact, when we sing despite our circumstances, we often find ourselves lifted from our suffering, from our burdens.

As we sing, even with eyes closed, heart hurting, teeth gritted, something happens in our hearts. We might not even perceive it but it’s a powerful moment. Every Sunday is a chance to sing – to sing like you mean it and even when you don’t.