Shout to the Lord – Hillsong Worship feat. Darlene Zschech
Some worship songs become popular for a season. Others become part of the vocabulary of the church. “Shout to the Lord” is definitely in the second category. Written by Darlene Zschech in 1993 and first released by Hillsong Worship on People Just Like Us in 1994, the song became one of the defining worship anthems of the modern praise-and-worship movement.
What makes “Shout to the Lord” so enduring is its simplicity. It isn’t trying to tell a complicated story or make a theological argument. It is simply an exuberant declaration of who God is: Savior, Lord, comforter, shelter and source of strength. The chorus then expands that personal declaration into something universal—calling “all the earth” to sing, praise and stand in awe of God’s power and majesty.
And there’s a wonderful story behind the song. Zschech has described writing it during a difficult period in her life, sitting at an old piano and simply worshiping God. She initially was so unsure of the song that when she played it for Hillsong’s worship leaders, she was extremely nervous and even had them turn their backs while she played. Before long, however, the song was being introduced in worship services and spreading from church to church.
Today, “Shout to the Lord” feels like one of those songs that has always been there. Generations of Christians have sung it in churches, worship services and gatherings around the world. Hillsong itself has recorded the song numerous times, including the 1996 Shout to the Lord live album that helped introduce Hillsong’s music to an even wider audience.
But for today’s Praise Song of the Week, there’s something particularly special about hearing Darlene Zschech herself lead it. The song isn’t merely an old Hillsong recording being pulled out of the archives; its original writer and voice is right there worshiping through the song she gave the church more than 30 years ago.
Take a few minutes today and worship along with Hillsong Worship and Darlene Zschech. Some songs remind us of a particular time in Christian music. “Shout to the Lord” reminds us that some songs simply belong to the church.
Watch this live perfrmance from Hillsong Worship featuring Darlene Zschech.
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