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CRY ALOUD AND SHOUT FOR JOY
Have you ever noticed that most people will not do this unless it is in a crowd, and the occasion calls for it? People at a game will behave differently than when not at a game. Very seldom do you see people shouting for joy in a movie theater or a restaurant.
In Isaiah 12:6 we read: "Cry aloud and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.".
We do not do this very often, but when we realize the nearness of God and His abiding presence, we should be prepared to shout for joy, and tells others. Back in verse one we read:" I will give thanks to Thee, O LORD; for although thou was angry with me, Thine anger is turned away, and Thou dost comfort me" What a comforting thought to realize that the enmity we had with God has been removed. Of course we know that this enmity was taken away by the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ, and it is our obedience to His commands that brings the grace of God to fruition.
In verse two we read: "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation." God gives and provides salvation for any who would come to Him in meekness and fear. We need not be afraid of Satan or evil, because God is our protection and the source of our joy,.
Verse three reads: "Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation". The prophet gives us a comparison with drawing water out of a well. For someone who is parched and thirsty, water from a well is sweet and cooling. Also, try to remember all the passages that ask us to draw near to God, and He will draw nigh unto you.
In verse four, we read: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted." With thanksgiving we should ever praise Him. We should enjoy our salvation so much, that we tell anyone and everyone what God has done for us. We tell our brethren, so that we can be prepared to tell those who are lost. The name of God is exalted and everything that Name represents needs to be exalted in our minds and hearts.
Verse five reads: "Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things; let this be known throughout the earth." One of our greatest joys should be when we sing songs to God and to teach others by our songs. It is good to blend our voices in song. Even if there be only a few, it is a relaxation of the soul to sing these songs. There is a song based upon the verses in this chapter. The song title is: "He Is In Our Midst"(#22). Knowing God and remembering just how great He is should be a joy that we want to share with others.
By Carey Scott.

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