“Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee” (Psa. 40:16). “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psa. 118:24). “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee” (Psa.70:4). “O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days” (Psa. 90:14). “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad” (Psa. 96:11). “Rejoice and be glad” (Lam. 4:21). “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven” (Matt. 5:12). Note: Rejoice is an inward experience while glad is an outward expression. Rejoice is known in the heart, and glad is shown on the face. The secret is to have both at the same time. Rejoice and be glad, not rejoice and be sad!
It seems America has lost both its rejoicing and gladness. Wikipedia listed 178 countries showing the countries most happy and satisfied in life. Unbelievable! America with its abundance was listed as number 23 – Wikipedia/SatisfiedwithLife. America is overfed but under satisfied, while most of the world is unfed but satisfied. AARP Magazine (2015) “Because of stress, 40% of Americans lie awake nightly. 70% worry about work. 52% fear bad health. 62% fret about money.” Inconceivable! Most American homes have gimmicks and gadgets but no gladness. Paul said, “I have learned to be content” (Phil. 4:11). Contentment is not earned but learned. A Quaker watched as his neighbor bought many unnecessary and unneeded things and told him, “Neighbor, I would be glad to help thee know how to live without these things.” Warning! Abundance can cause Amnesia (2 Tim. 3:2). Fullness can cause Forgetfulness (Deut. 8:11-14). Note: Happy is from the word “happen.” Joy remains while happiness recedes. Is it possible to have inward peace and joy during storms of life? Yes! God may not still your storm, but He can still you in the storm (Mark 4:39). Ask the Lord to replace your panic with His presence and His peace (John 14:27). “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil.4:7). This peace is unknown to the world. Note: Peace involves and requires that both your heart (Rom. 5:1) and your mind (Phil.4:8) be in agreement at the same time.
As you face the new day, do you want to be able to rejoice and be glad in it? Then realize there is an emptiness within you that only God can fill, a longing that only God can satisfy, a peace that only God can provide. “For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psa. 107:9) Every day we awake we should take a deep breath (Psa. 150:6) and say, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Know God – Know Peace. No God – No Peace
