Shout For Joy

Shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. —Psalms 32:11

There is a lot of shouting going on today.  You hear it at protest demonstrations, sporting events, rock concerts, political conventions, marital counseling sessions, etc.  But, all such shouting leaves one empty, frustrated, and accomplishes little or nothing.

It is significant that first mention of the word “shout” in reference to worship at the Old Testament tabernacle (Lev. 9:24).

But shouting in worship did not begin with man, but with the angels as God created the heavens and the earth (Job 38:1-7). “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:7).  As God created the universe, He was accompanied by angelic beings celebrating with harmonious song (“sang together”) and unrestrained shouts of joy.

It appears that worship and shouting go together.

Christians have good reason to shout and we find that reason in the knowledge and revelation of God.  Biblical worship is fundamentally a celebration of God’s person and glory.  The more we learn about God— who He is and what He’s done — the more our hearts will be aroused to enthusiastic and expressive worship of God.  Little worship means little knowledge of God’s person.

Consider this truths about God:

• God is always the Winner…
• God’s purposes will never be derailed or defeated.
• God is never discouraged…
• God is never out of control…
• God is never taken by surprise…
• God never runs for cover…
• God’s promises never fail!
• God is faithful.
• God always provides — no matter how dim our situation may appear — God is always on the way with tender mercies that are fresh and new every morning.
• God has a very long fuse…
• God will always have the last word.

An experiential knowledge of these truths should set the “mood” of worship as one of exuberant shouting for joy.

When was the last time you shouted for joy about God?