Lyrics
Verse 1
If we call to Him, He will answer us
If we run to Him, He will run to us
If we lift our hands, He will lift us up
Come now praise his name, all you saints of God.
Chorus
O Sing for joy to God our strength
O Sing for joy to God our strength, our strength
Verse 2
Draw near to Him, he is here with us
Give Him your love, He's in love with us
He will heal our hearts, He will cleanse our hands
If we rend our hearts He will heal our land.
Chorus (Repeat)
O Sing for joy to God our strength
O Sing for joy to God our strength, our strength
Verse 1 (Repeat)
If we call to Him, He will answer us
If we run to Him, He will run to us
If we lift our hands, He will lift us up
Come now praise his name, all you saints of God.
Verse 2 (Repeat)
Draw near to Him, he is here with us
Give Him your love, He's in love with us
He will heal our hearts, He will cleanse our hands
If we rend our hearts He will heal our land.
Chorus (x2)
O Sing for joy to God our strength
O Sing for joy to God our strength, our strength
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Sing for Joy” by Don Moen is a short worship song of invitation and promise. The first verse is a set of simple conditionals: if we call on Him, He will answer; if we run to Him, He will run to us; if we lift our hands, He will lift us up. The ideas are close to Jeremiah 33:3 and James 4:8, which speak of God answering and drawing near.
The chorus takes its words from Psalm 81:1, “Sing aloud unto God our strength,” in the form “O sing for joy to God our strength.” The second verse tells the singers to draw near, give Him love, and notes that He is in love with them. It adds that He will heal hearts and cleanse hands, and that if hearts are rent, He will heal the land, a line close to 2 Chronicles 7:14.
The verses and chorus repeat, so the song works as an easy congregational call to praise. Its message is that God is near, and those who come to Him are met.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 81:1 Sing aloud to God our strength
- James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 Humility, prayer, and healing of the land