Shout for JoyYou

Ps. 33:18-19

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. 

What is the response of believers to the great blessings of God? Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.  Sadly, shouting is barely existent within the church today. Why would that be? Are we too sophisticated to shout? Or has shouting disappeared because we are not that excited about the things of God? Whatever the reason, we should shout for joy. Joy because God has chosen us, has worked in our lives, has grown us in holiness, and has given us strength to endure. The list could go on and on. 

We are to Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to Him with the harp of 10 strings! Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. Even though this is a musical response, there is still shouting. Our thankful hearts and our songs of praise should reverberate into shouting. Praise belongs to our God! What specific areas does this Ps. 33 reference as cause for shouting?

• The word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness.
• He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.
• By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
• Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
• The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.
• Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
• The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; 
• Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.

What is our response to these great blessings of God? Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in Him, because we trust in His holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in You. Our lives must be totally His. Waiting, trusting, hoping, singing, shouting... He is our entire life. 

Father,

Thank You for Your care and watch over me. Thank You for Your word and Your faithfulness. Help me to sing and shout for joy because You are my God. You are my all. 

In Jesus name,

Amen