A favorite song of our two year old is “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Clapping hands and stomping feet in the first two verses are fun, but he really gets most excited for the third verse: “If you’re happy and you know it, shout hooray!” Whether in his car seat, playing outside, or singing in the bathtub, every time his hands go up in the air and he shouts “Hooray” as loud as he can.
As an adult, the only occasions where I find myself shouting for joy are at a hockey game when a goal is scored, or some other sporting event when my team takes the lead or makes an exciting play. There’s certainly nothing wrong with this sort of enthusiastic shouting, but perhaps in light of our text, we should think of something greater that deserves such a reaction, such as the redemptive work done on our behalf by our Savior Jesus, the preservation of our Heavenly Father, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
Our greatest joy is in being redeemed children of the LORD by faith in Christ. Our text invites us to shout for joy to Him and while our worship doesn’t often include bouts of shouting, we nonetheless express that joy in prayer and song, rejoicing in His presence that He is our God and Savior.
Ye lands, to the Lord make a jubilant noise;
Glory be to God!
Oh, serve Him with joy, in His presence now rejoice;
Sing praise unto God out of Zion!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 44:1) |
