Matthew 26:30 (NIV) When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus and the disciples had gathered together for what would be their last supper together. The disciples didn’t know it at the time, but Jesus was about to get arrested, tried and crucified just a few short hours later. It was at this same supper that Judas got up to go to betray Jesus by leading the mob that was going to arrest Him. Before they went out into the night after supper, Jesus did something that people don’t do when they are facing a great trial in their life...He sang. I think we can all agree that this was no time to be singing. Although the disciples didn’t know what was about to happen, Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen, yet He still sang.

Did you know that we are commanded to sing and make music in our hearts to God (Ephesians 5:19)? Contrary to what many people think, singing did not originate on earth but originated in heaven (See Job 38:6-7). There was singing in heaven by the angels as they worshipped God before the creation of the world. It is also very interesting to know that singing releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural "feel-good" chemicals. There are also other hormones released as someone sings like oxytocin and dopamine, which contributes to improved mood and well-being. It’s no wonder that God commands us to sing! But it’s not just any song that we are commanded to sing. We are commanded to sing praises to God and to worship Him with our singing. That’s what Jesus chose to do as He was about to face the agony of not only being crucified, but of also taking upon Himself all our sins so that we could be saved from eternal damnation.

If Jesus could sing at a time like that, what about you and me? Is there ever a reason not to sing in light of all that Jesus has already done for us? Yes, we still have trials and troubles to face in this life, but Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us and has remained faithful to that promise. He has been with us and will continue to be with us to strengthen us and bring us safely through each situation and circumstance that we face. We, as followers of Christ, have every reason to glorify the Lord with our singing and to sing His praises without end. Let’s face our trails as Jesus did. Sing your way through each and every situation, sing in the good times and the bad times and you will find strength and will experience the peace and joy that are yours in Christ Jesus, no matter what is going on in your life.

Pastor Joey Vazquez