The Shout

Many times we read in the Bible about people shouting.  We read about Joshua leading the people in a shout at Jericho and the walls fell flat.  We read about Gideon with his band of 300 men shouting and revealing torches as they surrounded the enemy.  His enemies killed themselves as they heard the shout.  There are other places in the Scriptures about shouting.

Psalms 47:1

O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

We don't hear much about Old Testament shouting anymore.  Sure, you may hear your pastor tell you to "SHOUT!!" in church, but is it really gettin' the work done?  Something happened when those mighty men and women of God lifted up a shout or directed the people to shout.  Was it just them being loud and raising their voices or was there something more?  Was there something happening on the inside that demanded that the situation change?

Today we don't shout like they shouted back in the OT.  When we shout we are usually just making a whole lot of noise without accomplishing anything.  We shout at our spouses, our kids, or the person that isn't driving the way we think they should (Josh's head hangs in shame...).  And most of the time it isn't even remotely close to resembling a shout....it is usually more of a scream.  There is a big difference in a scream and a shout.

A scream is generated from our flesh based upon fear, anger, or insecurity.  Think about it....when you are scared by someone or something is when a scream escapes from us.  Or when we don't know how to properly express our frustration over a situation that is spiraling out of our control.  Or when we are trying to assert who we are and what we expect to be done.  And, sadly, a scream is often accompanied with a vulgar expletive or our Lord's name being used in vain.

But, a shout...now, that is something different.  It's more than just a raising of your voice in response to an escalating situation.  It's spiritual warfare!!  A shout that brings walls down and confuses enemies is one that is generated from the depths of one's submitted spirit.  This shout is never one that comes from a place of doubt or unbelief.  It comes from a place of victory and triumph regardless of the odds against the individual.  The person that brings forth this shout does not look at the insurmountable obstacles in front of their eyes but at the God that has taken residence inside of their heart and spirit.  The shouter doesn't see the walls that are large and looming but at the God that is larger than life and faithful.  This shout makes it stand on the victory that is about to take place.  Psalms 47:5 says that God is gone up with a shout.  Even the Almighty shouts; He never screams.  The shout that changes circumstances is one that is uttered with authority; not in who you are but who God is!

Something interesting about when we read about those that lifted up a shout in the Word of God...they ALWAYS shouted BEFORE the victory was seen.  They shouted when things looked bad and appeared like they were going to get worse.  But, the shout HAD to come out.  At some place inside of the individual, the shout could not be restrained any longer.  It had come to a boiling point and they would explode if it didn't find an outlet.

So, where are you at?  Are you facing down walls that look impregnable?  Is the enemy planning an attack tomorrow but you are feeling like beating him to the punch?  Has God deposited a promise inside of you that you believe is about to be fulfilled?  Can you feel the shout rising?  If so, maybe you should think about letting it out.

It's not healthy to keep it in.  You might break something!  Find the right time...maybe it's by yourself; maybe you are with people when it happens.  Maybe it's in the face of another potential defeat; maybe it's at the moment where the battle could go either way.  Find the right time....and let it go!!  Shout the praises of God!  Shout the victory!!  Shout what God is able to do!!  Shout the walls down!!  Shout the shackles off!!  Shout your spouse home!  Shout the enemy to shame!!  Just SHOUT!!!!

You don't know God can do through a submitted vessel that is willing to shout!!

Josh and Serena