Paul Wilbur - Sing For Joy In The Lord Lyrics
Lyrics
sing for joy in the lord oh ye righteous ones
sing for joy in the lord oh ye righteous ones
sing to him a new song let your heart rejoice in him
oh magnify the lord with me, let us exalt his name together
oh magnify the lord with me, let us exalt his name
Tag ending
bless his holy name
bless his holy name
bless his holy name
Video
Paul Wilbur Shouts of joy(medley)
Meaning & Inspiration
Paul Wilbur's "Sing For Joy In The Lord," released on March 22, 1995, as part of the live album *Shalom Jerusalem*, stands as a powerful anthem of communal worship, drawing directly from the wellspring of Old Testament praise. From its opening declaration, the song immediately establishes a call to jubilant adoration, not as a fleeting emotion but as a fundamental posture for those walking in faith. It is a profound invitation to experience and express the deep-seated joy that defines a life lived in communion with the Divine, bypassing any preamble to plunge directly into its spiritual core.
The essence of "Sing For Joy In The Lord" is a timeless command to praise, rooted deeply in scriptural injunctions for believers to express their devotion. The repeated phrase, "sing for joy in the Lord oh ye righteous ones," echoes numerous passages, most notably Psalm 32:11, which proclaims, "Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" and Psalm 33:1, which states, "Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful." This isn't a call to those who deem themselves perfect, but to those who have been declared righteous through faith, acknowledging that their standing before God is the very foundation for their celebratory praise. It reminds us that our joy is not contingent on circumstances, but on the unwavering character of God Himself.
The invitation to "sing to him a new song" speaks to the freshness and ongoing nature of God's mercies and our personal experiences with Him. It's a call that resonates with Psalm 96:1, "Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth!" and Psalm 33:3, "Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy." This isn't about novelty for its own sake, but about an ever-renewed understanding of God's grace, prompting spontaneous and heartfelt expressions of gratitude. The accompanying plea, "let your heart rejoice in him," underscores that true worship flows from an internal conviction, not merely outward performance. It signifies a profound inner delight in God, much like the psalmist in Psalm 28:7, who declared, "In Him my heart trusted, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him." This inner rejoicing becomes the wellspring for all outward expressions of praise.
Central to the song's message is the collaborative and magnifying aspect of worship, beautifully captured in the lines, "oh magnify the Lord with me, let us exalt his name together." This is a direct echo of Psalm 34:3, "Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together." To "magnify" God means to make Him appear greater in our eyes and in the eyes of others, not by adding to His inherent greatness, but by proclaiming and revealing it through our adoration and testimony. It implies seeing Him as He truly is—vast, sovereign, and worthy—and encouraging others to join in that elevated perception. "Exalting His name" signifies raising Him to the highest position of honor and glory, acknowledging His supremacy and divine authority. The call to do this "together" emphasizes the corporate nature of faith and worship, where believers unite in a shared purpose of elevating God, strengthening their collective witness and experience of His presence.
The concluding "tag" of the song, repeating "bless his holy name," serves as a reverent final benediction, reinforcing the sanctity and worthiness of God. This echoes Psalm 103:1, "Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!" It’s a profound acknowledgment of God’s sacredness and His eternal goodness. This phrase encapsulates the very heart of worship—to give Him blessing, honor, and praise for who He is. Throughout the piece, Paul Wilbur crafts a spiritual journey that moves from an initial call to joy, through the deeply personal act of offering a fresh song from the heart, into a unified declaration of God's greatness, culminating in a reverent blessing of His holy character. The song’s power lies not in its melodic complexity, but in its unwavering focus on these foundational truths, serving as a timeless invitation for believers to engage fully in the vibrant, communal, and eternally significant act of praising the Lord. It serves as a stirring reminder that our primary response to God’s goodness and righteousness should always be one of resounding joy and adoration.