Ps. 100:1 "Shout for joy unto the Lord, O earth!"

If you had a crystal ball and could look at what life is going to bring you this year, what would you like to see? We can imagine all kinds of things can't we? I think I am pretty safe to say that none of us would want to see unforeseen illnesses, calamities, the death of loved ones or dear friends, the loss of all our earthly goods, etc. We would want to see GOOD THINGS in our future. But we know that it's not always the way life happens. We constantly face difficulties and unwelcome pain of heart, mind, and body. Not everyone is going to approve of the way we live or the things we say. How do we cope with life when things aren't going so well? It may sound simplistic, but I believe attitude is the key to how we deal with life.

A good attitude begins with a good relationship with Christ. There is no substitute for allowing Christ to control our hearts and minds. When He is in control, we have the resources of God to keep us above life's circumstances and not underneath them. The Psalmist tells us how to keep our relationship with Christ fresh and alive. Notice how he begins Psalm 100, "Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth!" Why do we shout?

1. We shout to be heard. There is no reason to shout if someone is listening. We do not want to be ignored and when we are, we shout. It's easy to stay "cool, calm, and collected when we are being respected and responded to.

2. We shout because we hurt. No one likes pain. When we hurt bad enough we tend to shout. It is a way to relieve the pain or pressure of what we are feeling.

3. We shout because we are happy or excited. Sometimes the joy we feel just cannot be contained. There are times when I am watching a game and my team does something very exciting. I get caught up in the moment and let out a shout of joy. It is in this sense that we are to shout.

It may be glossed over out of fear of being radical, but we are to shout for joy to the Lord. When was the last time you heard a Christian shout for joy? When was the last time you shouted to the Lord? Why don't we get excited enough to shout for joy to the Lord? I believe it's because there is an absence of real joy in the heart of most Christians today. Many of us are not shouters, myself included. I am uncomfortable when people are shouting in worship. However, I do believe that every believer should be excited about their relationship with the Lord? Excitement escapes us because:

1. We settle for the appetizers instead of feasting on the riches of grace. Few of us in the body of Christ today are deep enough in grace to truly enjoy the joys of salvation. So few are willing to immerse themselves in the Word, prayer, and the church enough to stimilate growth or excitement.

2. We have an unhealthy tolerance for sin in our hearts that squeezes out the joy. When was the last time you squirmed in your seat because of sin in your heart or mind? You cannot have a healthy soul with sin in your heart.

We may have no control on what lies before us, but we can control what lies in our hearts. You can generate a place where the Lord can dwell. You can nurture your soul and create an environment where excitement can fourish. If you do, then no matter what life brings your way you will be okay.