Finding Joy in Every Day: Understanding Psalm 118’s Message of Rejoicing
The 118th Psalm carries a powerful message about finding joy and strength in God, regardless of our circumstances. This ancient song of praise reminds us that each day is a gift from God and worthy of celebration.
What Does it Mean to Truly Rejoice?
Rejoicing goes beyond simply being happy – it means celebrating and expressing joy, particularly in recognition of God’s goodness. The Psalm tells us “This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” This verse reminds us that every day is an opportunity to celebrate God’s presence and provision in our lives.
Why Was Psalm 118 Significant in Biblical Times?
This Psalm held special meaning in Jewish tradition:
It was sung during Passover celebrations
It was likely written for the dedication of the second temple
Jesus and his disciples would have sung it after the Last Supper
It contains prophetic references to the coming Messiah
How Does Psalm 118 Point to Jesus?
Several key verses foreshadow Christ’s ministry and sacrifice:
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone”
References to God’s right hand doing “valiantly”
Promises of victory over death
Themes of salvation and deliverance
What Does it Mean That Christ is Our Cornerstone?
The cornerstone metaphor teaches us that:
Jesus is the foundation of our faith
Everything in our spiritual lives hinges on Him
Without proper alignment to Christ, our faith structure becomes unstable
He connects us both to God and to each other
How Can We Find Joy in Difficult Times?
The Psalm provides several keys to maintaining joy:
Remember God’s past faithfulness
Focus on His strength rather than our circumstances
Join in corporate worship and praise
Trust in His ultimate victory
Recognize each day as His gift
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to:
Start each day declaring “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it”
Keep a daily list of reasons to rejoice, no matter how small
Share your joy with others through worship and praise
Ask yourself:
Am I viewing my circumstances through God’s eternal perspective?
What keeps me from rejoicing fully in God’s goodness?
How can I better express gratitude for each day God gives me?
In what ways am I building my life on Christ as my cornerstone?
Remember: Our circumstances cannot defeat us because God has already claimed the victory. He is our strength and our song, giving us reason to rejoice every day.