Shout Joyfully (Psalm 66)

Are shouting and singing praise with joy part of our Christian worship? Let’s explore Psalm 66.

For the Chief Musician. A song [sometimes vocals without instruments]. A Psalm [vocals with instruments]. (CEB)

Do we sometimes shout in church? Do we sing to God with real joy in our hearts? Do we sing at all?

Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will pretend to obey You. All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name.” Selah (Ps 66:1-4 NASB)

Do we open our eyes to see what God has done? Do we rejoice in His historic deeds?

Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot—come, let us rejoice in him. He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations—let not the rebellious rise up against him. [Selah] (Ps 66:5-7 NIV)

Do we bless God? Do we make our praise for His rich fulfillment heard?

Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard, Who keeps our soul among the living, And does not allow our feet to be moved. For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment. (Ps 66:8-12 NKJV)

What is the modern equivalent of making an offering to God?

Now I come to your Temple with burnt offerings to fulfill the vows I made to you—yes, the sacred vows that I made when I was in deep trouble. That is why I am sacrificing burnt offerings to you—the best of my rams as a pleasing aroma, and a sacrifice of bulls and male goats. Interlude (Ps 66:13-15 NLT)

Do we who revere God hear testimonials of what God has done in other’s lives?

Come and hear, all you who fear God. I will declare what he has done for my soul. I cried to him with my mouth. He was extolled with my tongue. If I cherished sin in my heart, the Lord wouldn’t have listened. But most certainly, God has listened. He has heard the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor his loving kindness from me. (Ps 66:16-20 WEB)

Why are trials necessary? What is more valuable than gold?

You now rejoice in this hope, even if it’s necessary for you to be distressed for a short time by various trials. This is necessary so that your faith may be found genuine. (Your faith is more valuable than gold, which will be destroyed even though it is itself tested by fire.) Your genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor for you when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:6-7 CEB)

Why should we be glad to endure a lot of trouble? What does it teach us?

My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4 CEV)

Are shouting and singing praise with joy part of our Christian worship? You decide!