Psalm 96:11–13: Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord. For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth.
Experiencing Jesus in the Psalms
Psalms such as this must have been uplifting for the psalmists as they have been for believers of all ages. Many psalms express a longing for the Lord to destroy wickedness and establish righteousness on the earth. The laments of the psalmists will no more be uttered when the Lord reigns in righteousness and truth. 1
Living the Transformed Life
Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, And will have mercy on His afflicted. Isaiah 49:13
- Reason to rejoice today…Because God is still in absolute control over everything going on in your life, and He will never forsake you!
- Reason to rejoice today…Since everything in His creation is looking forward to His future reign on earth, I also should join His choir and praise Him now.
- Reason to rejoice today…Because His truth is not relative to the popular choices of the current culture. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Since eternity will be filled with rejoicing, it would be wise to start the rejoicing now, by having a daily attitude of praise and thanksgiving.
Praise and Prayer
Thank You, Father, for giving me every reason to be thankful in every situation. Dear Jesus, please help me to keep my eyes focused on You, and not on myself.
1. Ross, A. P. (1985). Psalms. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 864). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
