Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! (Ps. 81:1)
Expanded Passage: Psalm 81:1
The wall words in my kitchen say, “Today, I choose joy.” And I must choose joy intentionally—especially on days that I wake up with a headache, dread the happenings my day promises to bring, or am flooded by other less-than-joyful thoughts. I can wallow in frustration or pain, or I can choose joy. I can proclaim God’s strength that will help me conquer the day and begin my day shouting the love of God with everyone I meet.
Some Christians shout because of sins forgiven. Others shout because of healing from physical pain. Still others shout because God gives good gifts. They are the ones who choose joy! All these gifts that we shout about are not just for God’s people. He is holding out his hands to all, waiting to pour love, strength, and power into every life.
Does God neglect to hear the shouts of praise because we have not bragged on his works in our lives? We may be thankful inwardly for everything God does but may hesitate to share it with others. I say, “Shout!” Shout in the grocery store. Shout in the church. Shout while you are waiting at the doctor’s, and shout in your home. Whenever we brag on Jesus, that is shouting—even if we do not raise our voice. Praise the God of Jacob!
Brag on Jesus with a shout!
Pamela J. Kuhn’s favorite word is joy, and her favorite place is anywhere that holds books and sells tea. Her husband, RB, is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
