“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24
We often hear this verse quoted in times of celebration: weddings, graduations, or peaceful mornings with coffee and sunshine. But its meaning reaches much deeper than moments of obvious joy. To “rejoice and be glad in each day” is not just about enjoying the good times; it’s about choosing to embrace each day—no matter what it holds—with a heart full of hope, gratitude, and purpose.
Rejoicing Is a Choice, Not a Condition
It’s easy to rejoice when everything is going right, when the kids are cooperative, the bills are paid, and you’re hitting your goals. But what about the hard days? The days when everything feels off? The truth is, rejoicing is not about ignoring pain or pretending to be happy. It’s about choosing to see the beauty, meaning, or lesson within the day, even in the middle of difficulty.
Rejoicing is an act of courage. It’s a mindset shift. It says, “This day matters. There’s something in it worth showing up for.”
Being Glad Doesn’t Mean Being Naive
To be glad in each day doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to injustice, challenges, or grief. It means deciding that your joy is deeper than your circumstances. It means living with the quiet assurance that each day carries purpose even if it’s not fully visible yet.
Being glad is recognizing the small moments: the sound of laughter in the next room, the warmth of sunlight on your face, the way your breath steadies when you pause. It’s the decision to be present and grateful for the moment you’re in, rather than wishing it away.
Every Day Is a New Beginning
Rejoicing daily helps us reset. We get a fresh start every morning. No matter what happened yesterday, we wake up with the chance to begin again. That’s powerful. When you embrace each day as a gift, you also give yourself the permission to grow, to try again, and to live more fully.
It’s not about waiting until everything is perfect. It’s about realizing that today is already filled with potential.
How to Rejoice and Be Glad in Practical Ways
- Start with gratitude. Before checking your phone or diving into your to-do list, name three things you’re thankful for. This sets a positive tone for your day.
- Celebrate small wins. Don’t wait for big achievements. Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth noticing.
- Speak life. Affirmations, kind words, and encouragement—whether to yourself or others—fuel joy.
- Let go daily. Forgive quickly. Release what you can’t control. Rejoice in your freedom to choose peace.
- Live expectantly. Believe that something good can come from today. It may surprise you.
The Gift of Today
Each day is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We’ll never get this exact one back. That doesn’t mean we have to pressure ourselves to make it extraordinary, but we can decide to show up fully. To breathe deeply, love generously, and notice the beauty that’s already here.
So whether today brings triumph or trial, joy or challenge, remember: this is the day that the Lord has made. Rejoice in it. Be glad in it. Live it well.