What does it mean to "rejoice in the LORD" in Psalm 64:10?

◄ Meaning of "rejoice in the LORD"? ►

Verse at a Glance

“Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in Him; let all the upright in heart exult.” (Psalm 64:10)

Unpacking “Rejoice in the LORD”

• Rejoicing is an intentional response, not a fleeting emotion.

• The object of the joy is the LORD Himself—His character, promises, and works, not changing circumstances.

• The verb carries the idea of bright, ringing, public gladness. The righteous are urged to celebrate God openly.

• “In the LORD” signals location and source: joy is found within a relationship of trust and covenant loyalty.

Why the Righteous Can Rejoice

• God’s justice prevails (Psalm 64:7-9). He turns the schemes of the wicked back on them.

• His refuge is secure. “God is our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1).

• He vindicates integrity. “The LORD loves righteousness and justice” (Psalm 33:5).

• Future hope is certain. “Rejoice in the LORD always” (Philippians 4:4) because His faithfulness never ends.

What Rejoicing Looks Like in Daily Life

• Verbal praise—singing, speaking, or writing about God’s greatness (Psalm 95:1-3).

• Grateful remembrance—recounting answered prayer and past deliverance (Psalm 103:2).

• Confident refuge—turning worries into worship, knowing He shields the upright (Proverbs 18:10).

• Obedient living—walking in uprightness is itself a celebration of His lordship (John 15:10-11).

• Shared testimony—encouraging others by declaring how God reversed the enemy’s plans (Revelation 12:11).

Supporting Scriptures

• Psalm 32:11 — “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”

• Habakkuk 3:18 — “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

• Isaiah 61:10 — “I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God.”

• 1 Peter 1:8 — “Though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”

Takeaway Truths

• Rejoicing in the LORD is rooted in who He is, not in fluctuating circumstances.

• God’s proven justice and protection give the righteous unshakeable reasons to celebrate.

• True joy is expressed outwardly and lived inwardly through praise, gratitude, trust, obedience, and testimony.

• The command to rejoice is also a promise: in God’s presence there is “fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).