How can we rejoice in the day the Lord has made today? The Gift of Today Psalm 118:24 declares, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” The verse speaks literally: every single day rises from the creative hand of God, not by chance or human achievement. • The word “this” points to the very day now unfolding, whether ordinary or extraordinary. • “Has made” anchors each sunrise in the completed work of God’s sovereignty. • “Let us rejoice” calls for an active, deliberate response, not a passive feeling. • “Be glad” lifts the heart beyond mere duty into genuine delight. An Unchanging Foundation for Rejoicing Scripture ties today’s joy to God’s steadfast character. • Lamentations 3:22-23 affirms mercies “new every morning,” establishing fresh cause for praise. • Psalm 16:11 shows fullness of joy found “in Your presence,” grounding gladness in relationship, not circumstances. • Philippians 4:4 urges, “Rejoice in the Lord always,” revealing the Lord Himself as the constant source. Daily Gratitude That Fuels Joy Thankfulness turns the heart toward God’s goodness and away from discontent. Practical ways to cultivate it: • Start the day aloud with Psalm 118:24, acknowledging God’s ownership of the coming hours. • List three evidences of His mercy from the past twenty-four hours. • Thank Him for ordinary provisions—breath, food, relationships—recognizing each as a gift (James 1:17). • Share personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness with family or friends, reinforcing joy in community (Psalm 107:2). Joy That Transcends Circumstances Biblical rejoicing is not fragile optimism; it rests on truth strong enough for trials. • Romans 5:3-5 highlights rejoicing “in our sufferings,” because God shapes perseverance and hope. • James 1:2 calls trials “pure joy,” knowing they refine faith. • 2 Corinthians 4:16 reminds that inner renewal occurs “day by day,” even as outer realities decay. Practical Expressions of Rejoicing • Worship through song: “How good it is to sing praises to our God” (Psalm 147:1). • Serve with gladness: “Serve the LORD with gladness” (Psalm 100:2). • Speak life-giving words that magnify God’s works (Psalm 145:4-7). • Engage in continual prayer, intertwining gratitude with requests (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Living Psalm 118:24 Together Corporate rejoicing strengthens individual faith. • Gather weekly with believers, uniting voices in proclamation of God’s daily faithfulness (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Encourage one another to view each day through the lens of divine purpose and provision. • Celebrate answered prayers and small victories, reinforcing a culture of joy. Tomorrow’s Outlook Shaped by Today’s Joy Confidence in God’s character today builds hope for the next sunrise. Jesus promised, “My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). By embracing the gift of this day, the heart learns to expect fresh mercies and enduring gladness with every dawn. |
    |