SHOUT OF PRAISE
Have you ever wondered why the Bible commands believers to shout to the Lord? You might know some people who like to shout, but most prefer speaking softly. God instructed the Israelites to “SHOUT TO THE LORD” to make Jericho’s walls fall.
15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!”
(Joshua 6: 15-16 NIV)
God is not deaf! He does not use a hearing aid. He has never experienced hearing loss. So why are we commanded to shout? There is a Bible verse that commands believers to “Be still, and know that I am God.” And it is indeed very important to follow this instruction to know God. However, as believers, we are also commanded by God to “shout” and perform the “Shout of Praise” to the Lord at different times. Why?
In Joshua 6, Joshua and the Israelites faced the impregnable walls of Jericho. God commanded them to shout to Him. The shout signified the voice of victory and expressed strong faith in God. Their trust was not in chariots or horses or their experience and abilities but in the name of the Almighty God (Psalm 20:7). Although this action might seem foolish, they shouted from hearts filled with faith and overflowing joy.
Darlene Zschech once composed a famous song titled “Shout to the Lord.” It is said that she never imagined this praise song would be sung worldwide, including before the President of the United States. Darlene described how the Holy Spirit inspired her to see the profound truth about shouting to the Lord. It was the darkest moment in her life when she learned about joy and confidence in shouting to the Lord in worship.
There are 2 reasons why believers are commanded to “SHOUT TO THE LORD.”
- Firstly, shouting expresses joy. Fans of certain sports games will shout when their favorite team wins in a fierce competition. Joyful shouts arise from within. Joy cannot be contained. A person’s inner being must be released with expressions of praise and thanksgiving. As Christians, we too can experience the same outburst of praise and thanksgiving. A heart filled with joy because the Lord is great and most worthy of praise. There is only one awesome, mighty, compassionate God with endless love – He deserves our shouts of joy.
- Secondly, shouting expresses confidence. Observe the fans in the stadium when their team is trailing, and the opponent is ahead by only one score. With only a few minutes left to play, they rise and start shouting encouragement to their team. Their cheers can become a loud roar because they believe their team can still defeat the opponent and achieve victory. Similarly, believers in the church often stand and loudly sing their praises to God amidst trials and difficulties. They express strong faith and joy to the Lord who supernaturally intervenes in the situation.
So let’s get rid of the shame of raising our voices. The shout of victory is directed to the Lord. The shout of victory strengthens you because it expresses your faith. The reason for victory is that God will tear down the walls of problems in our lives. Our shout sends us into battle, trusting God more than ourselves, our strength, or human ingenuity. God is our strength, our shield of protection, and our success!
Source: Ps. Dave Rustanto (Global Prayer Coordinator)
