Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!
Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! (Psalms 98:1, 4 NLT)

Praising God does something IN me. It does something TO me. It does something FOR me.

This morning I listened to the news update regarding the tragic deaths caused by a massive tornado that ripped through Oklahoma. That news prompted me to pray for the victim’s families, the wounded, the responders, and the healing of a community.

But it also led me into a sincere moment of praise, when I thanked God for my wife and my children.

By the way, it is not selfish or heartless to praise God and experience His joy during times when others are grieving. In fact, it is the reality of those moments that propels us to be grateful for God’s blessings in our own lives.

Praise develops gratitude.

These verses give us two particular WAYS to praise: (1) sing a new song to The Lord, and (2) shout to The Lord!

Singing a new song to The Lord is more than merely singing in church or while listening to Christian music. When the bible speaks of “a new song,” it refers to our expression of a song from within our hearts, a song never before sung or written, a song whose words we compose in the moment of praise.

Certainly this new song of praise involves both singing “in the spirit” and “in the understanding.” In other words, a new song can be expressed either by way of your spiritual language or by way of our own langauge(s). (See 1 Corinthians 14.)

Shouting to The Lord is also a powerful expression of praise, but one that many may not fully understand or value.

If you are like me, you are not naturally inclined to be loud. Yet, God repeatedly instructs us to shout!

Shouting involves a faith-declaration of victory! When you raise your voice you remind yourself that God fights your battles and assures you victory. Shouting to The Lord also puts the devil and his demons on notice that you are exercising your spiritual authority over the forces of darkness that try to hold you back.

Sometimes you NEED to shout to The Lord!

Take time today, and everyday this week, to sing a new song to The Lord and to shout to the Lord in victorious praise. Allow the Holy Spirit to develop and strengthen your spirit through praise and worship.

God is worthy of ALL of our praise.