The Joyful Shout

Go on, give God a joyful shout. He loves it. And he deserves it.... even more than your favorite team or friend. He deserves all the volume your lungs can muster. Read more...

Psalm 89:15 NIV - Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.

When your favorite team wins in sports, what is your reaction? When you hear news that your friend who you haven't seen for two years is coming to visit, what do you do? When you dominate your friends in a card game,  what comes out of your mouth? In the scenarios above, you might react with a shout. That would be fitting. How many times have you sat in front of the tv with friends shouting out for your team to win? Probably many times.

How do you respond when King Jesus enters into your room? What is your reaction to the greatness of God and his amazing mercy? Would you shout? Would it be appropriate to shout?

Psalm 89:15 literally says (citing Hebrew words), "Happy are those who have learned the joyful shout. These people walk in your favor, Lord." The Psalmist has been recounting the wonderful character and ways of God prior to these verses. He says, "Your arm is endued with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you." Psalm 89:13-14 Then, after this, the crescendo of worship raises into a joyful shout.

God loves our shout. He actually gave us lung capacity to do it. But, he wants the shout. You could give your shout to your favorite team or most loved person, but there is one who deserves the shout more than all. The truth of God's Word says that you are happy when you learn the joyful shout. In other words, it's a practice.

You have probably learned how to be silent in God's presence, to sing and clap in God's presence. But, have you learned to shout. He also loves this form of worship. The ones who learn the shout actually receive favor from the Lord. He loves it that much!

So, go on…. Practice. Maybe find a secluded spot to shout out God's greatness. Perhaps, a time in corporate worship would be your fitting moment to shout. In any event, don't hold back. He is worth the joyful shout!