Psalm 118:24 (NASB)

Bible Commentary

Psalm 118:24 is a famous Bible verse among Christians that reminds us to be joyful. When I was growing up, my Mom had a saying, “You can get happy just like you got mad.”

In other words, we choose our own emotions. We can get swept up in sad or angry thoughts, which perpetuate more of the same, or we can stop that train and find something to be happy about and focus on the positive instead.

Our mind is so powerful. What we think about is what we become. We have the mind of Christ, but sometimes we fall very short of using that amazing gift He gave us. (1 Corinthians 2:16)

My Mom definitely knew something I didn’t. Her words had far more wisdom than I understood at the time. Our Heavenly Father gives us this same lesson in Psalm 118:24.

This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Unlocking the Truth – Game of Life

If you look at the Hebrew meaning for the word “rejoice” you’ll see: spin around, be glad.

We can spin around from negative thinking and negative emotions. We have a choice as to where our mind travels. Our emotions soon follow our thoughts.

Life throws us all kinds of pitches—fast balls, curve balls and sometimes we even get hit. Many times, we don’t have any control as to what is coming at us, but we do have control over how we respond to the pitch.

If we’re afraid of the ball, dwelling on the possibility of getting hit, we won’t enjoy the experience. But if we step up to the plate with joy because we get to play the game, then we can swing at those pitches with confidence and enjoy the process.

We get to choose. Let’s rejoice in the game of life. Let’s not let the fear of what might happen take the joy out of every day. The Lord is in control. That’s why the Psalmist said, “This is the day the Lord has made…”

If we believe the Lord has good in mind for us, trusting in His great love toward us, then we can go forward unafraid. The cross is such a powerful visual reminder. When we wane in our faith, let’s look at the cross and remember how much He loves us.

We are worth far more to Him than all the riches and honor in the world, but we must believe it in order to rejoice in it. Let’s let Him remove the barriers that stand in the way of a beautiful and intimate love affair with our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is much joy in His waiting arms. Study the Bible verse of Psalm 118:24 and go forward unafraid, holding the hand of the One Who holds you.