“24This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (ESV)
I know, this verse is quoted often and usually I hear it in the church or in times of great joy. But what about the regular or difficult days?
When I look here at this verse and passage, I am reminded that we are to rejoice in all days and all situations. All things, days, and situations are breathed out by God and I have to be joyful in God, therefore I am to be joyful in all things, days, and situations.
“22The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” — Psalm 118:22-23 (ESV)
Notice in the two verses that precede the first I have quoted. There are stones rejected by builders that God has greater plans for, such as being the cornerstone of other buildings. Those stones were just not meant for that building and did not fit the mold of what the builder was looking for in materials. Just as with the stones and builders, there are those rejected by society that seem to not fit the mold of those in that society. God will use those in His plans and may even have them set for being the cornerstone of His kingdom here in this world.
I have to believe that God has a plan for me in this world. Regardless of the thing, day, situation that I find myself in, God will be there and I have to remember to be joyful in Him. I will find myself beat down and discarded by society or jobs or groups, and regardless of those situations, God will be right there with me to pick me up and place me where He wants me to thrive and be His example. God will always be there to provide value to my existence even when rejected or discarded.
Knowing that God will be there to pick me up and give me His great value, it is for me to rejoice in all things, days, and situations. I should not just rejoice in the presence of other Christians in the church building. I should not just rejoice in the times when things in life are going well and “as planned”. I should be rejoicing at the fact that God is with me to pick me up and use me for His kingdom and His glory.
What is your thoughts of when to rejoice? Are you like most and rejoicing when it is “right” to do so, like in church or when things are going great? What if you were to rejoice always in all things, days, and situations because you are rejoicing in God’s presence and His using you for His kingdom and His glory?
Trevor's Thoughts 