When my five-year-old is doing something that inspires her, like crafting or coloring, she breaks out in song.

These are no trendy radio hits. Her songs are unique every time. Today I heard some mix of tunes from “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Three Blind Mice,” and the C scale. The words she puts together are just as free-spirited.

Every hymn, every worship song was at one time someone’s inspiration.

We can certainly get lost in another’s inspired words — our spirits can be moved, our hearts filled, but the scripture seems to say that God loves new songs, inspired songs, heartfelt on-the-spot songs that reflect us, our lives, our feelings, our voice.

He wants to hear an expression of gratitude for specific things He’s done for us. He wants us to be so moved by Him, that, like a five-year-old with an unopened container of playdough, we erupt with joy too.

Singing not only pleases God, but research shows that it actually makes us happy. When we open our mouths and push notes out, we bring in more oxygen, increase our circulation, reduce our anxiety, and wake up those feel-good chemicals called endorphins that lift our mood.

So, ponder what new thing the Lord has done for you, and thank Him with a song.