Rejoice and Be Glad: Embracing Each Day as a Gift from God*

Scripture: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Introduction:

Psalm 118:24 is a beautiful reminder of God’s sovereignty, grace, and the joy we find in Him. It encourages us to see each day as a divine gift, filled with opportunities to worship, serve, and rejoice in the Lord. Today, let’s explore this verse in three main parts:

1. God as the Creator of Each Day
2. Rejoicing as a Response to God’s Sovereignty
3. Finding Gladness in God’s Purpose

1. God as the Creator of Each Day

• God’s Sovereignty: This verse begins with an acknowledgment that the day belongs to the Lord. Every sunrise and sunset is under His control. He holds time itself in His hands, and nothing occurs outside His will.
• Genesis 1 reminds us that God created the heavens, the earth, and everything in them, declaring it “very good.” Each day is a continuation of His creative power and sustaining grace.

Application: Recognize the intentionality of each day. You are alive today because God has given you this time.

• God’s Faithfulness: In the context of Psalm 118, the psalmist celebrates God’s deliverance and steadfast love. This verse is an invitation to see every day as a testimony to God’s enduring faithfulness.
• Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.”

2. Rejoicing as a Response to God’s Sovereignty

• Joy Is a Choice: The verse does not say, “Rejoice if you feel like it.” Instead, it commands us to rejoice.
• This is a deliberate decision to focus on God’s goodness rather than on our circumstances.
• Consider Paul and Silas in Acts 16, who prayed and sang hymns to God even while imprisoned. Their joy wasn’t tied to their situation but to their relationship with the Lord.

Rejoicing in Every Circumstance:

• Psalm 118 was likely sung during celebrations, possibly during the Feast of Tabernacles or Passover, reminding the Israelites to praise God for His deliverance.
• For us today, whether in seasons of abundance or trial, we are called to rejoice because God’s love remains constant.
• Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice.”

3. Finding Gladness in God’s Purpose

• God’s Plan for Today: The day God has made is not random—it has a purpose.
• Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
• Every moment is an opportunity to fulfill God’s plan, whether through acts of service, sharing the gospel, or simply trusting Him.

Gladness in Redemption:

• Psalm 118 also points forward to Christ, the cornerstone rejected by men but chosen by God (Psalm 118:22).
• Through Christ, we have ultimate reason to rejoice because He has conquered sin and death.
• The day of His resurrection—the ultimate “day the Lord has made”—ensures our hope and eternal joy.

Application Points:

1. Start Your Day with Gratitude: Each morning, thank God for the gift of a new day. A grateful heart sets the tone for rejoicing.
2. Look for God’s Hand in Every Situation: Even in challenges, seek to see how God is working.
3. Be a Source of Joy for Others: Share the hope of this verse with those around you by encouraging them to rejoice in the Lord.
4. Celebrate Jesus Every Day: Remember that our ultimate gladness is found in Christ and His redemptive work.

Conclusion:

Psalm 118:24 is not just a verse for holidays or celebrations, it is a daily call to live with a heart of joy and gratitude. As you go through today and every day, remember that it is God who made it. Choose to rejoice and be glad, trusting in His faithfulness, goodness, and purpose.

“Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)