SHOUT WITH JOY

 

Ps. 100:1 Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth!

     We shout for a wide variety of reasons. We shout to be heard when we are excited, angry, or feel we are being ignored. We shout because we want someone to hear us.

     When was the last time you shouted with joy to the Lord? How long has it been since you last were so overpowered by the goodness of God that you shouted out your praise and thanksgiving? Have you ever done it?

     We have so much to be excited about and grateful for in the Lord! Think about it. Isn’t salvation something to shout about? The Lord saves us from certain self-destruction. He saves us from an eternity in hell. He saves us from the compulsion to sin. He saves us from a life of sinful misery which has no hope.

     Isn’t the future something to shout about? The Lord has guaranteed our acceptance into the eternal kingdom of God. He has prepared a place for us that defies human understanding. It is a place that is so pure and holy that no trace of sin or its consequences will ever be found. It is a place where the glory of Christ will always shine and never dim. It is a place where we will never fear and experience pain or sorrow again. It is a place where we will be surrounded forever by all the saints who have ever lived and who have been perfected by God, a people who will always treat you fairly, lovingly, and joyfully.

     Aren’t the resources God has provided for us something to shout about? Think about it. God has made available to us all the resources we need to live holy lives before Him. It is not beyond our reach to live in victory. We have God’s Word, His Spirit, the church, and a great cloud of witnesses always around us to spur us on and help us.

Indeed, “Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth!”  Let your voice be heard loud and clear! The Lord is God, and He is your God! The Lord is faithful, true, and good all the time! Let your heart rejoice and shout the Good News so all will hear.