Rejoice in the Lord!

“Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.” Psalms 33:1 (KJV).

As the third quarter in the year 2024 ends today, let us rejoice in the Lord. Rejoicing in the Lord is not only an act of gratitude but also an expression of faith in His sovereignty and love. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of rejoicing in God's goodness. In Philippians 4:4, Paul reminds us to "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." Even while imprisoned, Paul knew that joy in the Lord is independent of our circumstances, rooted in the assurance that God is in control. David, a man after God's own heart, constantly rejoiced in the Lord despite facing many personal battles and challenges. In Psalm 34:1, he declared, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Whether in seasons of abundance or in the valley of despair, David’s heart remained steadfast in praising God. In Habakkuk 3:17-18, the prophet declares, "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines... yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."

In the mouths of believers in Christ, praise is beautiful. Let us thank and praise our God, who has kept you and me alive. Let us celebrate the faithfulness of our God in all things. Someone once said, "If you know how to think, you will know how to thank." Many long to see this day, but they are no more. Psalm 150:6 says, “Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” Only when one is alive can dreams and plans come true. Ecclesiastes 9:4 says, “For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” My people say, “A hen that is alive can still eat corns.” Beloved, there is hope for you, you will get to your promised land because the Lord is faithful to you to keep you alive and strong. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalms 107:8). For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness (Psalms 107:9). For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder (Psalms 107:16). As you rejoice in the Lord, He will satisfy you with goodness and open breakthrough doors for you.

Prophetic word: As you enter into this new season with joy and thanksgiving, the Lord declares that your rejoicing will unlock new realms of favor, breakthrough, and fulfillment of promises. Just as David praised in the midst of his battles and saw victory, so shall your praise pave the way for divine intervention in every area of your life. The Lord is speaking hope over your future—there is nothing He has started in your life that He will not complete. Though the fig tree may not blossom, and though you may have faced challenges and uncertainties, the Lord says, “Rejoice in Me, for I am your strength, your salvation, and your refuge.” This is a time of transition and the closing of one chapter, but as you rejoice in the Lord, the doors of opportunity will open, and you will see His goodness in ways that exceed your expectations. The bars of iron that have held back your progress are being broken, and a new season of release and elevation is upon you. Rejoice, for the best is yet to come.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and praise, rejoicing in Your faithfulness and love. As we close the third quarter of this year, we acknowledge that it is by Your grace that we stand. Lord, we rejoice not because everything is perfect, but because You are perfect in all Your ways. We lift our voices in praise, thanking You for every victory, every trial, and every breakthrough that You have brought us through. Lord, as we rejoice in You, let our joy be a sweet fragrance to You. We declare that You are opening new doors, breaking down barriers, and making ways where there seems to be none. Strengthen our faith to trust in You wholeheartedly, knowing that You are the God who satisfies the longing soul and fills it with goodness. May our praise invite Your presence to work powerfully in our lives, bringing hope, healing, and restoration. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen.