There’s a song we have been singing a lot at church called “Who Else.” The first few lines say:

“I am an instrument of exaltation
And I was born to lift the name above all names.
You hear the melody of all creation
But there’s a song of praise that only I can bring.”

I am always struck by that last line as I sing this. He hears the melody of all creation – the whole earth will declare his glory. He is the Creator of ALL things. For from him and through him and to him are all things. (Romans 11:36) He is not lacking in praise – it is constantly around him from the rhythms of nature and the beauty of the earth, as well as from my brothers and sisters who are singing their own songs. Yet there is a song of praise that is unique to me, one that only I can bring. One that goes to him in praise and worship and trust because of not only who he is as God in general (which would be more than enough) but because of who he is to ME. My story is not more important than anyone else’s, but it is my own unique story with him and he treasures that. There is something so very personal, so very intimate about knowing that he is listening for my unique song of praise to him.

It is easy to feel like we are insignificant in the grand scheme of the history of the world. In many ways that is true – the world does not revolve around us and if we did not do things, someone else would. God’s plan is not thwarted by us as humans. However, he calls us each into a story that is curated to be our very own with him – so personal.

Notice I said personal – I did not say private. Our stories, our worship, our testimonies – both the victories and the things we are still in the middle of – they are all part of a grander story. Everything we are given is to be used for the formation of his kingdom and the invitation into that. Our lives are to be centered around his glory, not our own. This is actually not private at all – it is very public! We are to be living out loud the goodness of him at all times in all circumstances.

But the way that sounds – the lyrics in it, the melodies, the tempo, the rhythms – they are all unique to us and him when it comes to our own song of praise. And somehow all those individual songs come to his ears as a beautiful, holy composition and masterpiece of harmonies. Any one part missing changes that sound.

So I ask you, what is your song of praise to him today? Maybe it’s in a minor key right now, rich in lament and sorrow – trust him. Maybe you are up and dancing wildly as you shout out in joy – thank him. Maybe it is a loop in your head of the same few words over and over – holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was and is and is to come. We are only practicing now for eternity. So, today, don’t hold back your song—whatever it looks like. Whether it’s sung out loud, whispered in prayer, or lived quietly in obedience, it matters.

“Who else is worthy? There is not one, only you Jesus!”