January 5, 2024

January 5: Rejoice and Be Glad.

Let the Righteous Be Glad:
Let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.--Psalm 68:3, NKJV.

WHATEVER IS DONE to the glory of God is to be done with cheerfulness, not with sadness and gloom.  There is nothing gloomy in the religion of Jesus.  If Christians give the impression by a mournful attitude that they have been disappointed in their Lord, they misrepresent His character and put arguments into the mouth of His enemies.  Though in words they may claim God as their Father, yet in gloom and sorrow they present to the world the aspect of orphans.

Christ desires us to make His service appear attractive, as it really is.  Let the self-denials and the secret heart trials be revealed to the compassionate Saviour.  Let the burdens be left at the foot of the cross, and go on your way rejoicing in His love who first loved you.--Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 88.

                By your appointment they stand today,
                    for all things are your servants.
                If your law had not been my delight,
                I would have perished in my misery.
                    I will never forget your precepts,
                for by them you have given me life.

                              
                  --Psalm 119:91-93, NRSV