Making Noise For God

Psalm 100:1
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all the earth!

Taught from this verse this morning @ Northside Baptist.
Make a noise...
Make a shout.....
Did you  notice that is didn't just say "shout"...but make a shout. Something formed deep inside your very being.....let it roll.
Not just any shout, but a shout of joy. A shout with purpose. A shout that was a result of becoming in touch with the reality of what is and has happened to you because of God's Holy Spirit working in you. How could you distinguish one type of shout from another? An angry shout from one that is joyful? A shout of frustration from one that is grateful?

I could get a room full of people to shout...
Everyone would probably participate, if I asked them to shout....
It would create a huge, loud noise. But such a noise would have come forth for several different reasons. Some simply because I asked. Some because it just seemed like the fun thing to do. But what this verse speaks of (joyful shout) is something that is born in the heart of one who has become  very much aware, and in touch with, the salvation that has been extended to them. How could you not be joyful? How could you not shout for joy if you've been delivered from the darkness of this world, into the light of God's presence. Now that's worth shouting about.

What happened at the city of Jericho when the people who'd come out of Egypt finished their seven day parade around the walls of the city? They shouted. O.k....now what. Well, the shout, which God told them to do, brought down the walls of the city. I mean dropped them like a bad habit. The people moved in and took the city. Pretty cool, huh? A shout. See, it's not the fact that they shouted. It is the simple truth that they were obedient. God told them to shout. They did. Walls fell. End of story.  But this shout we read about in Psalm 100 is different. It is a response to what God has done to us....for us...and through us.  Think about this. We always have reasons to rejoice. We live in God's presence, under his continual care, and because of this, we experience His love every day. Each time we gather for a meeting, we should remember the One who made it possible for us to have the life we currently have. Our hearts should be filled to overflowing with gratitude and praise. In spite of my mess ups and getting down in the ditch from time to time, God never stops loving us. He always keeps His promise to help us when we call on Him.

So......
How 'bout it.
Do you feel like a shout of praise?
Then do it.

God on you...
mbb