When I’m trying to motivate my kids to get started on projects or just get started, I’ll use this verse and say, “This is the day the Lord made, what are you going to do with it?”
Granted this doesn’t get teens moving any faster, but hopefully, as they get older they will remember the question and answer, I’ll rejoice (have joy) and serve Jesus today because of all God does for me. That’s what I really want them to remember, how can I serve Jesus today.
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
The second half of Psalm 118:24 tells us to rejoice and be glad every day. Psalm 118 gives many reasons we can have joy in the Lord. Let’s take a look.
We can give thanks and have joy because God is good all the time, and his mercy endures forever (Psalm 118:1).
The Lord is on our side (Psalm 118:6) and we need not fear.
We can call on the Lord when we are distressed. He will be with us (Psalm 118:5).
The Lord is faithful and trustworthy. People (even princes) will fail you, but God will be with you (Psalm 118:8-9).
When we are surrounded by enemies, the Lord will destroy them (Psalm 118:10).
The Lord is our strength and our salvation (Psalm 118:14)
Because of all the Lord does for us, we can share his works with others (Psalm 118:17).
The Lord opens the gates of righteousness for us, we can enter and praise him (Psalm 118:19).
After showing us how the Lord protects us, this Psalm closes as it opened, telling us to give thanks to the Lord for he is good and his mercy endures.
As Christians we can have true joy because of all God has done for us. Read Psalm 118 when you need to be reminded of God’s goodness and care for you. This chapter reminds us that God’s presence is with us, his mercy is endures and he is good always.
