Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation
Come, all you hear, now to His temple draw near
Join me in glad adoration
Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning
Sheltering you under his wings, and so gently sustaining
Have you not seen all that is needful has been
Sent by his gracious ordaining?
Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you
Surely His goodness and mercy shall daily attend you
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
If with His love He befriends you
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee
God of glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee
Op'ning to the Sun above
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee
God of glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee
Op'ning to the Sun above
Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him
Let the Amen sound from His people again
Gladly forever adore Him
Praise To The Lord (Joyful, Joyful) [Acoustic] - Shane & Shane
Praise To The Lord (Joyful, Joyful) Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on February 14, 2020, Shane & Shane's acoustic interpretation of "Praise To The Lord (Joyful, Joyful)" arrives as a warm invitation to lift our voices in adoration. This track skillfully blends themes from the grand old hymn "Praise To The Lord, The Almighty" with the spirit and often the tune associated with "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," weaving together a rich tapestry of worship that acknowledges God's supreme reign and the deep joy found in knowing Him. Shane & Shane are well-known for their ministry of leading people into deeper theological understanding through song, and this piece exemplifies that purpose, taking familiar melodies and infusing them with renewed scriptural weight and personal sincerity.
The core of this song is an exhortation, a stirring call to praise the Lord, the Almighty King of Creation. It echoes the psalmist's imperative in Psalm 103, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!" It's a reminder that praise is not just an option, but a commanded response from our deepest being, acknowledging His matchless worth. The lyrics point to God's majestic power and sovereign care, reflecting truths found in passages like Psalm 145, which speaks of His glorious splendor and mighty acts, declaring that His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. It calls us to remember His faithfulness and how He has graciously sustained us through life's journey, prompting a grateful recounting of His mercies much like the reminders found throughout the Psalms.
Coupled with this high view of God is the insistence on joy. The "Joyful, Joyful" element brings forward the truth that worship isn't somber duty but a joyful expression of freedom and adoration born from salvation and God's presence. Philippians 4:4 rings true alongside this melody: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" This joy isn't circumstantial happiness but a profound delight rooted in God's character and the security of being in His hands, precisely as Psalm 16:11 describes: "In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." The song compels us to remember *why* we praise – not just for who God is in His transcendence, but for His immanent care and the unshakeable hope found in Him. It prompts reflection on how He sustains and guides, aligning with the comfort of Matthew 6, where Jesus assures us our heavenly Father knows our needs and cares for us, urging us not to be anxious but to seek His kingdom first. This security in His provision fuels our ability to offer genuine praise, knowing He is our shield and defender, as Psalm 3:3 proclaims, and that in Him, our souls find rest (Psalm 62:1).
The acoustic arrangement chosen by Shane & Shane serves this message beautifully. Stripped away from layers of production, the intricate guitar work and hallmark vocal harmonies create a space that feels intimate and sincere. It allows the weight of the theological lyrics to land directly on the soul, fostering personal reflection and corporate worship simultaneously. The unhurried pace and clear articulation ensure that every word pointing to God's glory is heard and contemplated, making the ancient hymn text feel remarkably relevant and accessible in a modern context. The raw, authentic sound invites those engaging with the song to bring their own voices, whether in quiet meditation or joining in a corporate declaration of praise, emphasizing that worship is a deeply personal yet universally shared response to God's goodness.
Ultimately, Shane & Shane's "Praise To The Lord (Joyful, Joyful) [Acoustic]" is more than just a song; it's an act of worship captured and shared. It serves as a powerful reminder of the central calling on our lives – to praise the Almighty God with sincere joy, trusting in His unwavering care. For anyone seeking to lift their eyes above the noise of the world and fix them on the Creator, finding solid ground in His truth and boundless joy in His presence, this acoustic version offers a clear, compelling path forward in worship, grounding our hearts in eternal truth found in His Word and inviting us to join the chorus of creation in declaring His magnificent worth.
