Worship

Scripture

Consider some of the assorted reasons that people shout.

They want to be heard.
They need to warn someone of danger.
They’re angry.
They’re excited.
They’re trying to scare somebody.
Their team just scored a touchdown.
And in today’s reading from Joshua, they needed to bring down the walls of a fortified city.

Surely, God must have some use for shouting. In fact, He undoubtedly instilled within us the impulse to shout because shouting serves basic human emotions. Also, the impulse to shout is confirmed throughout scripture where we repeatedly find examples of shouting to express praise and worship, to show contrition, to profess dependence on God, to express excitement in response to God’s work in our midst. So shouting is unquestionably biblical.

Here’s a testimony on shouting in church, though. I grew up in a country church where an outburst of shouting—or most any other animated conduct in worship—was considered out of bounds. Any animated expression louder than a hearty “amen” when the preacher raised his voice to make a point or more spirited than a lively offertory played on the organ would receive stern frowns of disapproval. And as for shouting, no way!

However, one summer, that country church experienced a revival meeting to end all revival meetings. Even as a youngster, I recall that the spirit in the room was vibrant. The singing was hearty, the preaching was compelling, the prayers were earnest, and so were the altar calls. And we even heard deacons in some of those meetings shouting out loud during the moving response of the audience to the invitational hymn as congregants streamed to the altar in attitudes of prayer, contrition, and repentance. The movement of God’s spirit proved more powerful than social conventions governing demeanor.

I’ve carried the memory of that meeting over the years. It showed me from an early age that God approves a holy shout!

Of course, I also believe that shouting just to “sound” holy is dangerous. Indeed, people who shout all the time usually have something wrong with them!

But without doubt, by the witness of scripture and experience, it’s OK to shout when the Spirit prompts. Joshua’s army knew that. The Psalmist knew that. The Old Testament prophets and the New Testament church founders knew that.

And so do we!

Who will shout “Amen?”

Prayer

HONOR GOD

God is more concerned with your willingness to glorify Him than what you have to offer Him. Will you honor Him, now, with what you have? Take a moment and give Him your best praise in prayer.

ASK GOD

God is ready to meet you in your time of need. Where do you need God’s grace?

SUBMIT TO GOD

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, help me to cling to your promises for they are the realest thing I have. They are true and everlasting. Do not allow me to give up your promises for simple earthly pleasures or moments of weakness. Keep me from the temptations of the enemy and may your Holy Spirit guide me in my walk each and everyday. In Jesus Name, Amen.