3 Reasons You Can Have Joy EVERY Day (No Matter What)
There is an old hymn or song that says “This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad in it and be glad in it.” It repeats itself, but still serves as a reminder that there is a reason to rejoice in the Lord daily.
We often hear these words repeated at the beginning of church services or as a reminder to wake up each day in joy and happiness. These words come from Psalm 118:24. You might even have a plaque or picture in your house that lists this verse. While it is a good reminder to be thankful and rejoice, we must ask, “What does this verse mean?”
Psalm 113-118 is considered “praise psalms,” and Psalm 118 is the last. Look at the tone of this Psalm and you will find one that is joyful and trusting. These words of joy and trust are centered around Jesus Christ.
Speaking of Jesus, you can see Him throughout the twenty-nine verses. It is a collaboration of God’s doing. So, what has God done?
This psalm commemorates God’s victories over Israel's enemies and reminds us that we can find confidence in God’s eternal love. Even when times seem tough or uncertain, this psalm reminds us that there is security in God.
This Psalm reminds us that Jesus is in every experience of life. We see that throughout Psalm 118, but today, we will focus specifically on Psalm 118:24 and the surrounding verses.
Psalm 118:24 says, “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”
Let me give you three truths about this day.
1. This day reminds us that there is a purpose.
Returning to Psalm 118:24, “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”
We see the reminder that these days are the Lord’s. He made this day for a reason, and he gives us a reason to rejoice. When we focus on the fact that God made this day, we should be thankful that we get to be a part of it. God designed this day, and God is working in it. We should be grateful to be a part of what God is doing today.
Think about those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They have no reason to rejoice. They believe this day happened by chance. For Christians, this day happened for a reason, and it is part of God’s plan.
2. This day reminds us that Jesus is the cornerstone.
Psalm 118:22-23 says, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone 23 the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
What does the word cornerstone mean? It means “foundation.” As mentioned earlier, Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22-23 when discussing how He is the church's cornerstone. Jesus knew the people would reject Him. The very stone the builders rejected became the Cornerstone.
If you look at the church, you must see that Jesus is its head. He is our foundation. He should be the foundation of your life. He should be the center. He should be your focus and salvation.
3. This day reminds us that Jesus saves.
Psalm 118:25 says, “Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success!
The same praise is issued in Matthew 21:9, “The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
You have a reason to rejoice today because Jesus is alive. You have a reason to praise the Lord for salvation in Jesus Christ. Jesus was the atoning sacrifice. Apart from Jesus, we will experience the wrath of God and eternal separation from Him. But because Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins and rose three days later, defeating death, we are reminded today that Jesus saves. Because Jesus saves, we have reasons to rejoice.
Every day is a blessing from God. Every day has a reason to celebrate. There will be good days and bad days. Whatever day you are having, you have a reason to celebrate because every day is a blessing from God. But if you want to have a great celebration and be confident that Heaven is celebrating, come to Jesus for forgiveness of your sins and experience grace and eternal life in Him today.