Shout to the Lord. He likes it loud.

God’s version of praise is not nearly as sedate as ours. He likes things messy and loud. I’m not sure where we got the idea that praise was to be sung in a restrained and respectful manner. When the Lord said, be still and know that I am God, He wasn’t talking about times of praise. He wants to hear us shout.

Shout for joy.

Shout to God.

Shout in triumph.

Shout joyfully.

Shout to the Lord.

Shout aloud for joy.

Seventeen times in Psalms, we’re told to shout. That’s a lot of shouting! In church! It seems disrespectful, but God doesn’t seem to mind some lusty praise lifted to Him.

I dearly wish I could see how praise was done in David’s time. I’m betting there was plenty of shouting and dancing and instruments playing. I’m betting there was a party going on in God’s honor, and God loved it.

But it has to be everyone. Standing around and watching other people shout out is just the same as watching other people worship without joining in. Shouting to God is worship. So is dancing. So is clapping and waving. Basically, everything that we think of as not being decent in church.

I say, let’s do it. Let’s give a good shout to God and let Him hear us loud and clear.

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