“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24
Some days, rejoicing comes naturally. Other days, it feels almost impossible. We are all very well aware that life brings stress, disappointment, uncertainty, and grief that weigh heavily on our hearts.
Yet throughout the book of Psalms, we see David and other writers honestly pour out their struggles before God. They don’t ignore their pain, but they also didn’t stay there – they turn their prayers into praise as they remember God’s faithfulness. And that is exactly what we should be doing too.
Rejoicing is far more than an emotion—it’s a choice. It’s choosing gratitude over grumbling, hope over despair, and trust over fear. God’s Word calls us to rejoice not because every circumstance is good, but because He is good. Every new day is a gift from the Lord, crafted with purpose and filled with opportunities to experience His grace.
Science continues to affirm what Scripture has taught all along. A heart filled with gratitude and joy can lower stress, improve sleep, strengthen the immune system, support heart health, and even foster deeper relationships. While joy doesn’t remove life’s challenges, it changes the way our minds and bodies respond to them. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is lacking to the countless blessings God has already placed before us, can we get an Amen!?
As we pursue healthier lives, let’s remember that true wellness isn’t only found in nourishing foods or daily movement (although they are a big component!)—it also grows from a heart that is anchored in Christ!
Today, whatever you may be facing, pause and remember: this is the day the Lord has made. Choose gratitude. Choose joy. Choose to rejoice, trusting that the God who created this day is faithfully walking through it with you.