A new year always makes me think of “new” things, i.e. what are some things we are looking forward to at Grace in 2011? This verse grabbed my attention this morning.

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:3

The context of this psalm is David’s testimony of God’s rescue of him from difficult circumstances—“He lifted me out of the slimy pit , out of the mud and mire”—and his new found place as a result—“…he set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand”.

But what I like best from the passage is the last part of verse 3 that suggests (a) others are watching him and (b) his response to God’s work will have an impact upon them—they will fear the Lord and put their trust in Him. Our response to adversity can be a catalyst for to others reaching out to God.

I want to sing a “new song” this year—one that will cause others to take a fresh look at a God who rescues us and puts us in a new place where we can stand confidently in Him. Here are some of the verses of the “new song” I hope we’ll sing together at Grace!

1. Verse 1
“Lord, we worship you and raise our voices gladly,
Instead of sitting quietly in church and Sunday looking sadly.”

CHORUS: “Sing a new song to the Lord, a song of His mercy and grace.
He has rescued me and brought me to this new place.”

2. Verse 2
"Lord, we bring our offerings and sacrificially seek to live,
Instead of grimacing with pain every time we give.

CHORUS: “Sing a new song to the Lord, a song of His mercy and grace.
He has rescued me and brought me to this new place.”

3. Verse 3
“Lord, we embrace with joy the gift you given us to share
Instead of seeing it a burdensome cross, too heavy for us to bear.”

CHORUS: “Sing a new song to the Lord, a song of His mercy and grace.
He has rescued me and brought me to this new place.”

4. Verse 4
“Lord, we open our eyes to respond to our brother in need
Instead of closing them to focus on our own foolish, selfish greed.”

CHORUS: “Sing a new song to the Lord, a song of His mercy and grace.
He has rescued me and brought me to this new place.”

5. Verse 5
“Lord, we welcome the opportunities you call for us to pray
Instead of neglecting them, allowing our hearts to stray.”

CHROUS: “Sing a new song to the Lord, a song of His mercy and grace.
He has rescued me and brought me to this new place.”