Why We Sing Sad Songs

Summary

The book of Psalms is the playlist for the people of Israel. Many psalms are upbeat songs of praise. “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth” (Psalm 100:1). “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1). “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His Holy Name” (Psalm 103:1). Other psalms are very, very sad. We call them psalms of lament for they are passionate expressions of grief and sorrow.