Are you rejoicing today? Perhaps you’re having one of those difficult days – it’s a day where the burden is heavy, the storm is raging, and everything seems turned against you. When you’re having a difficult day, it can seem difficult to rejoice. The psalmist was facing some challenging circumstances, but he held fast to his confidence in God,

From my distress I called upon the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me in a large place. The LORD is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me? (Psalm 118:5-6)

These verses demonstrate the intimate relationship the psalmist had with God. He called out to God and gained victory over his fear. Later in this psalm he expressed his gratitude to God,

I shall give thanks to You, for You have answered me, and You have become my salvation.  (Psalm 118:21)

The psalmist did not allow the challenges of life to affect his ability to rejoice. We have a propensity to focus on our problems, rather than keeping our eyes on God who can give us the victory. Although the psalmist faced a number of challenges, his unshakable confidence in God led him to declare,

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

The word rejoice comes from a root word that means to spin round such as in dancing, and by implication, denotes an emotion of joy. The word glad conveys the idea to brighten or cheer up.

The context of this psalm revealed a deeper meaning. Jesus provided an explanation as He quoted part of this psalm in Matthew 21:42. Jesus revealed that He is the One who provided salvation and is the One who would ultimately be rejected,

The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.  (Psalm 118:22-23)

The Jewish leaders were familiar with this Psalm. When Jesus quoted this psalm to them, they recognized that Jesus was referring to Himself. Since this psalm was sung at Passover, Jesus no doubt sang this Hallel psalm with His disciples the night before His crucifixion. Jesus was able to sing this psalm because He knew that He was fulfilling God’s purpose. 

The psalmist was determined to rejoice and be glad in his current situation. You may be thinking, “Yes, God delivered him, but I’m still facing a difficult and uncertain situation!” The author of this psalm was also in a difficult situation as the next verse reveals that he was still awaiting deliverance,

O LORD, do save, we beseech You; O LORD, we beseech You, do send prosperity!  (Psalm 118:25)

You too might be waiting for relief from your current situation. May we follow the response of the psalmist – go to God in prayer, rest in His salvation, and rejoice and be glad in this day!

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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