How can we encourage others to "exult before God" in challenging times? Setting the Scene Psalm 68:3 says, “But the righteous are glad; they exult before God and rejoice with gladness.” The Word makes no allowance for circumstances here—righteous people actively rejoice right in the face of whatever life throws at them. Our task is to help brothers and sisters step into that same exultation when everything feels shaky. Key Truth from Psalm 68:3 • “The righteous are glad” – Joy is the normal atmosphere of God’s people, not a rare mood. • “They exult before God” – Exultation is expressed, visible, audible. It’s not just internal. • “Rejoice with gladness” – The text doubles down: gladness fuels more rejoicing, creating a cycle of praise that outlasts hardship. Why Exultation Matters in Hard Seasons • It declares God’s character louder than the crisis (Psalm 34:1). • It realigns emotions with eternal reality, not temporary pain (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). • It strengthens spiritual stamina; “the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). • It becomes a testimony that invites others to trust Him (Acts 16:25-34). Four Ways to Encourage Others to Exult 1. Model Audible Praise – Share a song, Scripture, or short testimony in their hearing. – Let them catch you thanking God for small mercies; authenticity breeds courage (Philippians 4:4). 2. Supply Scriptural Fuel – Text or read aloud promises that spotlight God’s faithfulness: • Isaiah 61:3 – beauty for ashes. • Habakkuk 3:18 – “yet I will exult in the LORD.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – rejoice always, give thanks in every circumstance. – Encourage them to personalize each verse with their own name. 3. Create Shared Worship Moments – Invite them into corporate praise even if attendance is online or in a living room. – Sing a chorus together, play worship music, or read a psalm responsively. – Unity multiplies joy (Psalm 34:3). 4. Celebrate Evidences of Grace – Point out every answered prayer, provision, or flicker of hope you observe. – Use Romans 12:15—rejoice with those who rejoice—to turn the spotlight on God’s sustained goodness. – Small victories rehearsed aloud train the heart for bigger battles. Additional Scriptural Fuel • James 1:2 – trials turn into opportunities for “pure joy.” • Psalm 30:11 – He turns mourning into dancing. • Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” • Philippians 1:18 – Even in imprisonment Paul says, “Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” Take-Home Reflections • Exultation is a decision anchored in unchanging truth, not in changing feelings. • By modeling praise, delivering Scripture, worshiping together, and highlighting grace, we help others step onto the solid ground of Psalm 68:3—glad, exulting, and rejoicing before God even when storms rage. |
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