This is the day devotional readings often start with Psalm 118:24 (ESV): “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It is a beloved morning verse. In context it celebrates God’s rescue, and ultimately it points to Jesus. That gives every ordinary day a reason for joy.
Key Verse
“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, ESV)
More Than a Sunny Morning
People often quote this verse when the weather is nice or life is going well. That is fine, since every day is a gift. But Psalm 118 is not about pleasant days. It is a song of someone surrounded by enemies, pushed hard and about to fall, whom God rescued.
This is the day refers to a specific day of deliverance. The psalmist rejoices because God acted.
The Rejected Stone
Just before this verse, the psalm describes a stone the builders threw away that God made the most important stone of all, a wonder only he could do (Psalm 118:22-23). Jesus quoted that line about himself. He was rejected by leaders, crucified, and raised as the cornerstone of God’s people.
So Christians have long read Psalm 118:24 in light of Easter. The great day the Lord made is the day of resurrection.
Every Day Is Shaped by That Day
Because Jesus rose, every day belongs to him. Even hard days are lived under the victory of that great day. That is why we can rejoice, not because everything is easy, but because the decisive rescue has already happened.
A Choice to Rejoice
The psalm says let us rejoice. It is an invitation and a choice. Joy is not pretending things are fine. It is lifting our eyes to what God has done and is doing.
Some days rejoicing feels impossible. That is okay. Grief and joy can sit side by side. On those days, simply say the verse and make it a quiet act of trust.
End of the Month, Start of a Day
As July ends, look back and notice God’s gifts. Then look forward. Tomorrow is another day the Lord has made.
Some days do not feel worth rejoicing in. The car breaks down, the news is heavy, or grief lingers. Rejoicing is not pretending. It is choosing to look for God’s kindness inside the day he has given, even a hard one.
Today, Try This
Each morning this week, before checking your phone, say Psalm 118:24 aloud and name one thing God has done for which you are glad.
Reflection Question
How does Jesus’ resurrection change the way you see an ordinary day?
Prayer
Lord, this is the day you have made. Thank you for the great day you raised Jesus and for every ordinary day that follows it. Help me rejoice in you, even when things are hard. Fill this day with your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Psalm 118:24 mean?
Psalm 118:24 (ESV) celebrates a day of God’s deliverance and calls his people to rejoice. Christians also read it in light of Jesus’ resurrection.
Is Psalm 118:24 about Sunday?
The psalm celebrates God’s saving act. Because Jesus quoted the surrounding verses about himself, many Christians connect it with resurrection Sunday, and with every day lived in that victory.
How can I rejoice on a hard day?
Be honest with God about the difficulty, remember what he has already done in Jesus, thank him for small gifts, and ask for strength. Joy can coexist with sorrow.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Bible verses about thankfulness
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: Devotional on Joy: Rejoice in the Lord Always
- Related: Palm Sunday Bible Verses
- Related: Devotional on Praise