Darlene Zschech's "Shout to the Lord" Turns 30

Australian worship leader, pastor, songwriter and author Darlene Zschech's "Shout to the Lord" turns 30 this year. Written in 1993, it was during a time when Zschech was struggling with money worries and the stresses of raising a young family. One day, when she was feeling particularly discouraged she slipped into the toy room where they kept their piano and put into song some biblical truths to which the stressed young mother was holding onto, in particular drawing from the Psalms.

Zschech explained to Today's Christian Woman: "I wrote it when I was feeling discouraged. I felt I could either scream and pull my hair out, or praise God." She added: "The line "Nothing compares to the promise I have in you" was something I clung to when our circumstances seemed so bleak. I think that rings true with anyone going through tough times." 

However Zschech was embarrassed the first time she played it for the worship pastor at her church. She told Today's Christian Woman: "I made him stand with his back to me on the other side of the room! I'd play four bars and say, 'I don't know if this is any good. Change whatever you need to.' But he liked it, and the first time we sang it at church, people were on their feet singing along before we'd even gotten the words on the screen. It took off from there. I can't take any credit for its impact. God decided to put his blessing on this song." 

Today the song has become a global anthem. "Shout To The Lord" is sung by an estimated 30 million churchgoers every week. It has also been performed for the Pope at the Vatican and for the American President. 

Here are 5 different versions of  "Shout To The Lord" recorded by Zschech and others.

1. Passion:

2. Randy Travis:

3. Ruben Studdard:

4. American Idol:

5. Darlene Zschech and Hillsong Worship:

Tags : Darlene Zschech's "Shout to the Lord" turns 30 Darlene Zschech passion ruben studdard American Idol Hillsong hillsong worship randy travis