In what ways can we cultivate a heart of gladness like Psalm 68:3? Key Verse—Psalm 68:3 “But the righteous are glad and rejoice before God; they exult with great joy.” What Gladness Looks Like in Scripture - Psalm 32:11 — “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” - Philippians 4:4 — “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, Rejoice!” - John 15:11 — “I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” - Nehemiah 8:10 — “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” - Romans 14:17 — “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Practical Steps to Cultivate a Heart of Gladness - Fix your eyes on God’s character • Regularly read passages that highlight His goodness, mercy, and faithfulness (e.g., Psalm 103). - Celebrate your righteous standing in Christ • 2 Corinthians 5:21 reminds us that we have been made righteous; letting that truth settle in fuels joy. - Abide in Christ daily • Stay in His Word (John 15:5) and His joy flows naturally (John 15:11). - Engage in thankful worship • Sing, shout, and make melody (Psalm 95:1–2). Music engages both heart and mind in glad praise. - Practice continual gratitude • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 — “Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance…” - Meditate on your salvation story • Regularly recall how He rescued you (Psalm 40:1-3). Joy grows when redemption stays fresh. - Serve others with love • Acts 20:35 — “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Serving redirects focus from self to God’s purposes. - Invite the Spirit’s fullness • Galatians 5:22 — Joy is fruit He produces; ask Him to fill and overflow through you. Guarding Our Gladness—Enemies to Watch For - Unconfessed sin (Psalm 51:12) - Chronic complaining (Philippians 2:14-15) - Comparison and envy (James 3:16) - Over-indulgence in worldly entertainment that dulls spiritual appetite (1 John 2:15-17) Daily Rhythm of Gladness Morning: Begin with a short reading and spoken praise, acknowledging God’s new mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23). Midday: Pause to thank Him for two specific blessings you’ve noticed so far. Evening: Reflect on the day, confess sin quickly, and list three ways you saw God’s hand. Close with a song or psalm of joy. Closing Encouragement As Psalm 68:3 declares, gladness is the birthright of the righteous. Keep turning your mind to His character, your heart to His presence, and your hands to His service. In doing so, you will “exult with great joy” today and every day. |
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