Sing, Praise, Shout for Joy

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The words sing, shout and joy are used together in Scripture over 100 times; depending on which translation one uses. EVERY TIME, they are used to reference God’s Reign, Rule or Redemption. The first reference occurs in the first book of the Bible; the book of Genesis. Leah gives birth to her last son and names him Judah, which means I will (sing) praise the LORD. Her adoration (praise), resulted from the knowledge that YAHWEH had blessed her with the ability to conceive and deliver her child. Leah acknowledged that HE (God) was the giver of life.

Of those most identified in the Bible of singing and praising God, King David is generally the one most noted. Some may not realize, however, that often his adoration occurs amidst the depths of distress and despair. He often cried out to LORD because he felt threatened from enemies, “all around me”.  How could he sing to the LORD or shout for joy in those circumstances? In times of distress, he was assured of the LORD’S provision, protection and redemption: never in his ability to “work it out”.  His comfort and solace came from the sure belief that YAHWEH, the God of his fathers, was the one, true, living God.

And so it is with Christ Followers. We have every reason to sing, praise and shout for joy! We are blessed beyond measure!  The Bible teaches that God does not change; “He is the same yesterday, today and forever”. And like King David, when facing difficult circumstances or mounting temptation, the Believer has every reason to sing and shout for joy – because “… we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

“And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.” Psalm 27:6

Whether in times of plenty or need, let every Believer sing, and shout for joy with their loudest voice of praise!!