Shout to the Lord

Title: Shout to the Lord
By Don Vess

Key Scripture:
“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing.”
— Psalm 100:1-2 (NASB)

Devotional Message

Introduction:
There are moments in life when silence is golden—when we need to “be still and know that He is God” (Ps. 46:10). But there are also moments when a shout of joy is necessary! A triumphant, earsplitting shout declares that our God is victorious and that we, too, share in His victory.

The Hebrew word “ruwa” in Psalm 100:1 means “to split the ears with sound” and is used for both joyful and triumphant shouts. This is the kind of shout that brought down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:16) when God’s people obeyed His command. Their shout declared their trust in God’s promise of victory.

Reflection on Thanksgiving:
As we reflect on the proclamations of thanksgiving made by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, we see a consistent call to acknowledge God’s providence. In times of peace and in the midst of war, both leaders recognized the importance of giving thanks to Almighty God for His blessings, provision, and mercy.

Lincoln wrote:
“We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us. … It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged.”

This call remains relevant today. Like the Israelites, we are invited to shout for joy, declaring our gratitude for the victories God has given us.

Application

1. Shout for Joy (Joshua 6:16):
Sometimes you need to raise a shout of faith and victory, even before you see the walls fall. Let the enemy know you mean business, and let God hear your praise.

2. Serve with Gladness (Psalm 100:2):
We serve a loving Father, not a hard taskmaster. Romans 12:1 reminds us that serving God is an act of worship. Serve Him joyfully, remembering His goodness and faithfulness.

3. Enter with Thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4):
Praise opens the gates to God’s presence. Take time to thank Him, not just for what He has done but for who He is.

Closing Prayer:

Father, we come before You with shouts of joy and thanksgiving. Thank You for the victories You have given us and for being our faithful, loving God. Help us to trust You in every situation and to serve You with gladness. May our lives reflect our gratitude and dependence on You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflection Questions:

1.What “walls” in your life need to come down, and how can you shout in faith today?
2.How can you serve God with more joy and gladness this week?
3.What are you thankful for, and how can you express that gratitude to God and others?