Psalms 118:24
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalms 118:24
This verse is overtly communal and liturgical: “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” It appears within the Hallel (Psalms 113–118), sung during festivals like Passover and other celebratory occasions. The day here is not merely a 24-hour period but the divine schedule of salvation history—a God-ordained moment worth rejoicing in. The exhortation to rejoice emphasizes response to God’s saving acts and faithful presence. The psalmist invites a disciplined joy, not a fleeting emotion, acknowledging that every day is an opportunity to witness God’s faithfulness.
Theologically, the verse asserts God’s sovereignty over time and history. Joy is framed as a proper response to God’s governance and mercy. It counters despair and cynicism by reframing days as God’s gifts. The verse also points forward to New Testament themes of living in the present tense of salvation—a daily, ongoing experience of God’s grace.
Practical approach: start mornings with a brief declaration of gratitude for the day as a gift from God. When challenges arise, recall that the day itself is a gift ordained by the Lord, not a random sequence. Incorporate a daily gratitude habit—three things you’re glad God has done today. In community, celebrate others’ milestones publicly, reinforcing the communal aspect of rejoicing in God’s day.
Cross-References: Psalm 118:24; Psalm 92:4; Philippians 4:4; James 1:17