Excuse me, but did they just sing "Shout to the Lord" on American Idol?

I know there will be plenty of other bloggers who focus on other substantial highlights from American Idol (America Gives Back segment) that aired last night. There was of course, the Miley Cyrus appearance and the cute banter segment with Billy Crystal, that adorably-cute-I-just-wanna-hug-her, Carrie Underwood, not to mention, the amazing documentaries that remind us how very blessed we are...not to mention, our responsibility to help those who are less fortunate.

However, I want to give a standing ovation for the goose-bump moment at the end of the show when the contestants gathered on stage and sang, "Shout to the Lord" accompanied by a church choir singing behind them. Oh. my. goodness. My jaw dropped to the ground. I absolutely LOVE that song and I don't care how old it is, it will always remain on my list of top ten worship songs.

I can still remember the first time I ever heard it. It was in 1997 and I was in a hotel room with a speaking engagement scheduled the next morning. I couldn't sleep, so I was channel surfing and I ended up on some gospel show where Darlene Zschech was singing the song. At the time, I had never heard of Darlene Zschech or "Shout to the Lord," but the words made me literally weep as I listened. I did everything I could in the days that followed to hunt down that song. I played it so much that my youngest (3 years old at the time) would request it at bedtime and knew every word. And folks, I don't sing. But we sang that chorus together night after night while I threw up a prayer that he would live the remainder of his years believing every word of it.

I pray the song has the same impact on others who watched and perhaps, heard it for the first time. May God use it mightily and give it a second birth. Even though they felt a need to substitute "My Shepherd" for "My Jesus," I pray the song will serve as a springboard that others may come to know my Shepherd, my Jesus.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:9-11)

Lord, I sing for joy at the work of Your hands; Forever I'll love you, forever I'll stand; Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.