How does Psalm 118:24 connect with Philippians 4:4 about rejoicing? The Day the Lord Has Made – Psalm 118:24 • “ ‘This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ ” • The psalmist looks at whatever day he is living—sunshine or storm—and declares it handcrafted by God. • Because the Lord is Author of the day, joy is not optional. His sovereignty guarantees purpose, meaning, and goodness behind every sunrise. • Context matters: Psalm 118 celebrates deliverance (vv. 14, 21), foreshadows Messiah (vv. 22–26), and invites the whole congregation to shout, “His loving devotion endures forever” (v. 1). • So, rejoicing is anchored in two realities: – God made today. – God saves today. The Ongoing Call to Rejoice – Philippians 4:4 • “ ‘Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!’ ” • Paul, writing from prison, repeats the command to make sure we do not miss it. • “Always” stretches joy across every circumstance. • The object of joy is explicitly “the Lord,” not shifting situations. One Golden Thread Psalm 118:24 ⇢ God made today; therefore, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 ⇢ God rules every today; therefore, rejoice. Both passages tie rejoicing to who God is and what He does, not to how life feels. The psalm supplies the foundation—“the LORD has made.” Philippians supplies the frequency—“always.” Together they weave a single, unbreakable strand of daily delight in Him. Grounds for Unshakable Joy • God’s unchanging character: Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8. • God’s saving work: Psalm 118:14; Isaiah 12:2; Titus 3:5. • God’s near presence: Psalm 16:11; Matthew 28:20. • God’s future guarantee: Romans 8:18; Revelation 21:4. Practical Ways to Live the Connection 1. Start each morning echoing Psalm 118:24—say it out loud, letting Scripture set the tone. 2. Throughout the day apply Philippians 4:4—whenever worries surface, pivot to praise. 3. Keep a “rejoicing journal”: record specific works of the Lord you notice in each 24-hour gift. 4. Share joy: encourage another believer daily (Hebrews 3:13), spreading the rejoicing that Scripture commands. 5. Sing: psalms, hymns, spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). Melody cements truth in the heart. Living in the Rhythm of Rejoicing • Psalm 118:24 gives us the reason. • Philippians 4:4 gives us the rhythm. When we greet every day as God-given and walk through it God-focused, rejoicing stops being a fleeting emotion and becomes a settled lifestyle—one that showcases the steadfast love of the Lord to a watching world. |
    |