Rejoice and Be Glad

Written by Barbara Alpert

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

Upon awaking, what thoughts rummage through your mind? Before getting out of bed, do you dread the day? Do you awake with a downcast spirit that provokes anxiety? On the other hand, do you arise with a positive, ready to start the day attitude knowing that the Lord is with you?

Typically, the attitude you choose to start with will generally determine the quality of your day. If you decide to harbor a poor, discouraged outlook, chances are you will find neither recourse nor upswing throughout the day. However, if you elect a positive stance at the break of each new morning, more often than not a good day will transpire. In Psalm 118:24 we read, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” How have you been greeting each new day the Lord gives you?

Have you been forfeiting the blessings and good things the Lord desires to bestow upon you in exchange for fretting, dreading, and not trusting in Him who loves you? Do you realize it is impossible for you to embrace and enjoy the present day if you are fussing over what already took place or what might transpire in the days to come?

In Philippians 4:4-7 we read, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When you begin your day in prayer, with rejoicing and thankfulness, and trust in the Lord with all your heart, this opens opportunities for Him to move and work on your behalf. Inwardly, God’s peace will permeate your heart and mind and outwardly, He begins to work on the circumstances that you have entrusted to Him.

At the break of each new day, I often profess out load, “It’s going to be a good day!” Instantly a quiver runs up my core, something good stirs within my heart as I anticipate and look forward to receiving the blessings the Lord has in store. On days that I begin to worry about the outcome of a far off tomorrow, I realize I am not trusting in Him and my gladness in the present day dissipates. I need to cast that care unto the Lord so His joy and peace may continue to dwell within.

If you are fretting the upcoming day, do not let your heart or mind be troubled, turn to God who knows all. Be steadfast in starting each new day with God, a positive mindset, and gladness adorning your heart.

Father, I know that Your promises are new every morning.  Help me to remember that as I’m reaching for the alarm clock.  May the joy of your love be the first thing my mind settles on at the break of day.  Amen.

Questions: Where is your attitude at today? How can you rejoice in the Lord?

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7 Responses to “Rejoice and Be Glad”

  • Kate says:

    Dear Toddy,

    God will bless you as you trust in Him. He is the solid rock upon which we stand, He is the one who lifts our heads, He is the one who sustains us though heart and flesh may fail, so fear not! Be bold and very courageous! He is good and all His plans for you are good!

    Lifting you up in prayer!

    Kate

  • Toddy says:

    I needed to read this today. I know that God is taking me to a deeper walk with Him and I am fearful to jump into that deep unknown where there is no bottom. I know that if I abide in Him and He in me I will succeed every day. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.

  • Brenda Miller says:

    “This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it [Psalm 118:24, Amplified Bible].”

    Wallette, what a great verse to confess every morning upon awakening! I so agree with you that this cannot help but lead to a positive day despite our circumstances, and I thank you for sharing your hope.

    Barbara, thank you so much for a tremendously uplifting devotional; you have convicted me, as I noticed that this past little while, my attitude has been slipping into the negative, and I have not been as diligent about checking myself against the Word of the Lord – I have not been renewing my mind and taking every thought captive to Christ Jesus. Your words of truth and encouragement have helped to turn me around and bring me to a new outlook and a brighter hope for today and the future. May God richly bless you today and always!

    Pat, I am praying that you, too, take every thought captive to the Lord Jesus and that you are able to start your mornings with the Lord Jesus and His Word, so as to saturate Your mind and heart each morning first thing with His Truth to begin your days. I will continue to pray for you, and I hope that you will update us and let us know how you are doing! May the Lord fill You with His all-surpassing peace in Christ Jesus today, Pat!

  • Wallette says:

    This is so true! I always wake up and say Psalm 118:24 and I always have a great day no matter what transpires.

  • Barbara Alpert says:

    Father God,

    May Pat awake each new day calling upon Your gracious name. Holy Spirit upon awaking may Pat’s mind be blessed in quickly reciting, “This is the day that the Lord has made, I shall rejoice and be glad in it!” Allow Pat the blessed opportunity to start each new day with a positive mindset and an attitude of gratitude no matter what is taking place. Father, when Pat goes to sleep tonight may your wonderful works take place within. When Pat awakes to greet the new day may blessings and favor come forth. In Jesus Name Amen

  • Morningstar says:

    What an encouraging devotional! “It’s going to be a great day with Jesus!”

  • PatP says:

    Thank you THANK you for this message. That’s precisely how I woke up feeling this (and every other morning). I have been my heavenly Father a GREAT disservice. Please pray for me as I work on changing my perspective

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