Special Feature
Sing a New Song to the Lord
A reflection by Sevon
Guest contributor to A Season of Clear Shining
The Hymn
Sing a new song to the Lord,
He to whom wonders belong…
A paraphrase of Psalm 98 by Timothy Dudley-Smith, often sung to Onslow Square by David G. Wilson. The text calls all creation—hills, sea, voices, trumpet and horn—to join in fresh praise of God’s triumph, mercy, and coming justice.
The hymn text and tune are copyrighted. Only a brief excerpt is reproduced here; consult a licensed hymnal for the full text.
My favourite hymn is “Sing a New Song to the Lord.” It first came to me through Granny one quiet morning during devotion at the Flushing house. From that first hearing it has stayed with me—not merely as a song, but as a summons.
The hymn encourages us to be intentional about our worship. The writer uses vivid imagery to remind us that everything around us—from the sea to the trees—already worships God and sings of His greatness. Melodically it refuses the typical, predictable major scale that feels bright, classical and sweet. Instead the composition is unique, almost as if the writer were purposefully trying to evoke a new, folk-like feeling of triumph, drama and grandiosity. In that sense the music itself is doing exactly what the song calls us to do: it is singing a new song. Finally, it brings the singer a deep sense of comfort in contemplating the greatness and justness of God.
Why I Love This Hymn
Whenever I return to this hymn, I remember that first morning with Granny. Its invitation feels personal: to notice the praise already rising from creation and to add my own voice with gratitude and purpose.
To sing this hymn is to answer the psalmist’s call: everything that has breath—and everything that does not—belongs in the choir.
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