I have been thinking a great deal about “shouting” since I got back from retreat. Looking at “shout” in my concordance has led me to a number of occasions where God told His people to “shout.”
Please understand as I write about what I think God is saying to the church about “shouting” that I am not talking about shouting at people. The giants in our land are spiritual giants, giants that have ingrained themselves in our culture. We do not struggle against people, as Paul reminded us, but against “the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” [Eph 6:12-13]
I believe God is calling His church to raise a spiritual “shout,” one that is heard by those forces of evil in the heavenly realms. The psalmist commanded us to: “Sing to [God] a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.”
Not only did he command us to sing, play and shout, he even told us why we should do so. “For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” [Ps 33:3-5]
For too long, beloved, we have allowed the enemy to pervert the Word of the LORD from what is right and true. And while God’s love is unfailing, God will never compromise His holiness. The LORD loves righteousness and justice and will settle for nothing less. Sin and compromise have no part in Him.
So church, it’s time to repent, time to sing, and it is time to shout!
