Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

What do you SHOUT about? Well, I shout about kids’ sports; I cheer loudly for them. I shout for great causes at rallies. How often do I shout for joy to the Lord? When God comes through in big ways, do I shout his praise from the rooftops?

I want to learn to be better about frequently SHOUTING FOR JOY to the Lord. Part of this skill is developed by remembering the truths we know about God: He is Sovereign. He is over all. He made us. We are his. We are the sheep of his pasture.

When we understand the timeless attributes of God it allows us to rejoice in any and every circumstance. Sometimes I feel it is as if I am elevated off of this earth and spiritually transported into life with him. So much so that my thanksgiving gives forth as praise, and my increased praise makes me all the more thankful!

God is good. He is good when life is good, and he is good when life is hard. His goodness is a constant in a chaotic world of competing forces. His love is never ending, never failing. It is a covenantal love that bears with us under any trial. It sacrifices for us and serves us. He is intimate with us and wants to know what is on our hearts and minds. His love has serious weight to it!

And he is always faithful. He always shows up and delivers me into his goodness. He provides for me, protects my heart, and he never gives up on me (even if I have seemed to have given up on myself). He is dependable and reliable.

Lord, I praise you today. I resolve to thank you in any and every situation. You are worthy! You love me deeply and faithfully as my Savior and my Lord. I take joy in you and my relationship with you. Thank you for providing me with such good family and friends. I can fill up on those relationships like food … and it is so satisfying! All praise is due you! You are wonderful and awesome!