How can we "rejoice and be glad" in God's presence daily? The call to joy: Psalm 68:3 “But the righteous are glad and rejoice before God; they exult with joy.” (Psalm 68:3) God does not merely invite His people to be happy now and then; He states that rejoicing in His presence is the normal, healthy response of the righteous. Because Scripture is true and trustworthy in every word, this command is as literal and practical as any other instruction He gives. Who are “the righteous”? • Those who, by faith, have been declared righteous through the finished work of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • Those who seek to live out that righteousness in obedience (1 John 3:7). • Those indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who produces joy as fruit (Galatians 5:22). Living in God’s presence: practical steps to daily rejoicing 1. Recognize His nearness • Psalm 16:11—“In Your presence is fullness of joy.” • Remember that His Spirit literally dwells in you (1 Corinthians 6:19). 2. Start every morning with praise • Psalm 92:1-2—declare His steadfast love “in the morning.” • Keep a running gratitude list; speak it aloud. 3. Sing—yes, sing • Psalm 100:2—“Come into His presence with joyful songs.” • Music roots truth in the heart and lifts the spirit. 4. Stay in the Word • Jeremiah 15:16—“Your words became the joy and rejoicing of my heart.” • Read a psalm aloud; memorize a verse that highlights God’s character. 5. Pray with expectancy • Philippians 4:6-7—prayer plus thanksgiving ushers in peace that guards joy. • Frame requests with praise for who He is, not just what you need. 6. Walk in obedience • John 15:10-11—obedience keeps believers in Christ’s love “so that My joy may be in you.” • Unconfessed sin is a joy-thief; keep short accounts (1 John 1:9). 7. Serve others • Acts 20:35—“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” • Joy multiplies when we pour ourselves out for people God loves. 8. Cultivate fellowship • Hebrews 10:24-25—gathering stirs believers “to love and good works.” • Joy is contagious; share testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Countering joy-thieves • Sin: robs intimacy; repent quickly (Psalm 51:12). • Worry: exchange anxiety for prayer (Philippians 4:6). • Complaining: replace grumbling with thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). • Isolation: pursue godly friendships; “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). • Forgetfulness: rehearse past deliverances (Psalm 103:2). The ripple effect of rejoicing • Strength for trials—“the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). • A persuasive witness—people notice hope-filled believers (1 Peter 3:15). • Kingdom perspective—“the kingdom of God is… joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). • Endurance—counting it joy in trials produces maturity (James 1:2-4). Verses to meditate on throughout the day • Psalm 68:3 (core verse) • Philippians 4:4—“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” • Habakkuk 3:17-18—rejoicing even when circumstances crumble. • John 15:11—Christ’s own joy in us. • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18—rejoice, pray, give thanks in every situation. Take God at His Word. Rejoicing is not optional for the believer—it is the natural overflow of living in the presence of the One who rescued, redeemed, and indwells us. Let gladness become the soundtrack of every day. |
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