Rejoice In the Lord and Be Glad
The other day I was alone at the church in prayer, and as I prayed I was overwhelmed with a feeling of great joy. In fact, I found myself getting so happy, I began to run around the sanctuary! I hope that does not upset the reader. David once danced before the Lord with all his might and it upset his wife (2 Samuel 6:16), but let us remember that God considered David to be a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22). I believe that God is pleased when His children are happy and glad, just as you and I are pleased when our own children are happy. It gladdens my heart greatly to see my children happy.
I believe there should be more rejoicing and gladness among God’s people, for a merry heart doeth good like a medicine (Proverbs 17:22), and the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
When we are joyful we tend to praise the Lord, because our hearts are glad — and when we praise Him we will always feel His presence more deeply, because He inhabits the praises of His people Israel.
There are so many reasons to be glad, there is really no excuse for not being glad. “The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” Psalm 126:3
People of God, I encourage you to spend time in prayer and devotion each day, time alone with God. It is the joy and peace of God, which we can only acquire as we meditate on Him with a grateful heart, that will get us through the days ahead — and not only get us through, but get us through triumphantly.
So let us lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for His wonderful love toward His people Israel. Let us rejoice in the Lord and be glad. “Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.” Psalms 149:1-5
Amen.
