For a lot of church folks, the hardest part of coming back into the church building as we start to open up after the pandemic is not being able to sing.
I don’t mean “not being able to carry a tune.” I mean the prohibition out of concern for possible spread of infection. It turns out several studies indicate that singing can project aerosoled virus quite a bit further than mere talking.
Other studies say not so much.
It’s a quandary, and as some have said, “If we can’t sing, then all we can do is listen to you (preacher) talk.”
It hardly seems worth it in that case, right?
But singing comes from the heart. Yes, physiological studies demonstrate the positive efficacy of singing. We miss that.
But we can still sing. We can sing together. We may do so quietly, or we may hum as we contemplate the words only in our minds. The important part has always happened inside, though.
Because my heart rejoiced, I will thank him with my song, even if I never open my mouth.
Blessed be God— he heard me praying. He proved he’s on my side; I’ve thrown my lot in with him. Now I’m jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to him. (Psalm 28:7, MSG)
Peace.