Shout

Yesterday I felt led to go outside and pray. I wasn't sure why, but felt I just needed to go and God would let me know. Only, for about an hour I didn't feel like He did, and I was starting to feel rather stupid. I had found this spot where there were giant bleachers and was sitting there trying to read my Bible or pray when nothing seemed particularly inspired.
Suddenly I had the desire to sing "Stronger," which has been my song for the past few weeks. I didn't know the verses well, so I put in my ipod. Then I remembered that I had seen a dance to this song when I had listened to it before which involved a giant stair much like the one I was sitting on. Hmmm. Seemed significant somehow, but I couldn't put my finger on why.
Then the phrase went through my head, "Shout, for the Lord has given you the city." I got really excited. God was going to give me (us, Christians) the city! Something I never really believed would be possible - even though I prayed for it - suddenly seemed real. Then my view of my surroundings totally changed. I saw God's name being lifted high above the city. High above the crowds of people. High above the tallest buildings. I saw it! I saw all the strongholds of Satan, and was able to look them square in the face and sing "You are stronger." I saw all those people one day climbing the stair towards heaven and singing it too.
I turned to Joshua and the battle of Jericho in my Bible. The first verse of chapter 6 leaped out at me. "Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites." I saw my city tightly shut up by the forces of Satan, who were terrified of losing their power. Then I saw how God appeared to Joshua and gave him an unorthodox battle plan, one that probably resulted in mass amounts of ridicule for the Israelites while it was being carried out. Then I saw the Israelites marching around the city, claiming their territory and praying. While they were quietly walking, they were lifting God's name high. Then the walls came crumbling down, and all the spoils belonged to God.
In my case, I'm not sure if marching this city means more than praying and lifting God's name high - that's to be determined - but the spoils are the souls. All those are God's! And as far as walls coming tumbling down, every stronghold the enemy has is going to crumble, which might be painful. I'm talking about things like the stock market, or ungodly theaters, or malls, or clubs.
It might be painful, but when it happens, I will shout, for God has given me the city!