What does Psalm 118:24 mean?

Psalm 118:24 is a verse that has brought comfort and inspiration to countless believers throughout the ages. The verse reads: "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." To fully understand the depth and significance of this verse, we must explore its context within Psalm 118, its theological implications, and its practical application for our daily lives.

Psalm 118 is part of the Hallel, a collection of Psalms (113-118) traditionally sung during Jewish festivals such as Passover. This Psalm, in particular, is a song of thanksgiving and victory. It is believed to have been written after a significant deliverance, possibly from a military threat or some other perilous situation. The psalmist exudes a profound sense of gratitude and joy, recognizing God's hand in their deliverance.

Context of Psalm 118

Psalm 118 begins with a call to give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 118:1). This theme of enduring love and faithfulness runs throughout the Psalm, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to His people. The psalmist recounts moments of distress and how calling upon the Lord led to deliverance (Psalm 118:5). This deliverance is not just a personal experience but a communal one, inviting the entire community to join in the celebration of God's saving acts.

In verses 19-21, the psalmist speaks of entering the gates of righteousness to thank the Lord, emphasizing a return to worship and acknowledgment of God's role in their salvation. Verses 22-23 introduce a metaphor that Jesus Himself would later use: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes." This imagery of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone points to God's ability to transform and elevate what the world deems insignificant.

Theological Implications

Psalm 118:24, situated within this context of deliverance and thanksgiving, takes on a rich theological significance. "This is the day that the Lord has made" is a declaration of God's sovereignty over time and events. Every day is a gift from God, crafted by His hands and imbued with purpose and potential. The recognition that each day is made by the Lord invites believers to view their lives through a lens of divine providence.

The second part of the verse, "let us rejoice and be glad in it," is an exhortation to respond to God's gift with joy and gratitude. This call to rejoice is not contingent upon circumstances but is a response to the recognition of God's ongoing work in the world and in our lives. The psalmist's joy is rooted in the assurance that God is in control and that His love endures forever.

Practical Application

Understanding Psalm 118:24 as a call to recognize and rejoice in God's sovereignty can transform our daily lives. Here are a few ways this verse can be practically applied:

1. Gratitude in Daily Life: Recognizing each day as a creation of the Lord encourages a posture of gratitude. This gratitude is not superficial but deeply rooted in the awareness of God's presence and provision. In moments of joy and in times of trial, acknowledging that "this is the day that the Lord has made" can shift our focus from our circumstances to God's faithfulness.

2. Joy Amidst Challenges: The call to "rejoice and be glad in it" is particularly powerful in difficult times. It is an invitation to find joy not in the absence of trouble but in the presence of God. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is available to believers regardless of external situations. It is a joy that comes from knowing that God is with us, working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

3. Mindful Living: This verse encourages believers to live mindfully, aware of the divine significance of each day. Instead of rushing through life or being consumed by worries about the future, Psalm 118:24 calls us to be present and to find joy in the moment. This mindfulness can lead to a deeper appreciation of God's blessings and a more intentional approach to living out our faith.

4. Communal Rejoicing: The psalmist's call to rejoice is communal. It invites the whole community to join in thanksgiving. This collective rejoicing can strengthen bonds within the faith community and serve as a powerful witness to the world. When believers come together to celebrate God's goodness, it creates an environment of encouragement and mutual support.

New Testament Connection

Psalm 118:24 also finds resonance in the New Testament. Jesus, in His teachings and actions, often highlighted the importance of recognizing God's work in the present moment. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." This echoes the sentiment of Psalm 118:24, encouraging believers to focus on the present day, which is a gift from God.

Moreover, the early Christians saw in Psalm 118 a foreshadowing of Christ's resurrection. The "day that the Lord has made" can be seen as the day of resurrection, a day of ultimate deliverance and victory over sin and death. In this light, the call to rejoice takes on an even deeper meaning, as it celebrates the cornerstone of Christian faith – the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Psalm 118:24, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it," is a profound reminder of God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the call to live with gratitude and joy. It invites believers to see each day as a divine gift, crafted by God's hands and filled with His presence. Whether in moments of triumph or in times of trial, this verse encourages a posture of rejoicing, rooted in the assurance that God's love endures forever.

As we navigate the complexities of life, may we hold fast to the truth of Psalm 118:24, finding joy in the knowledge that each day is a testament to God's enduring love and faithfulness. Let us embrace each day with a heart of gratitude, rejoicing in the Lord who has made it and is ever-present in our lives.