There is little doubt that life can be painful at times. The pain can be physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual. David was one man that experienced a lot of pain for things that were not his fault – King Saul hunting him to kill him for no reason. He was not without sin, though, and some of his pain was for those things.
In spite of his pain and tragic early life, God used David to bring comfort and joy to Christians worldwide when they read the Psalms that David penned. God wants His children to be joyful. David used the word "joy" 19 times in the Psalms. The words "rejoice" and "rejoicing" are used in 66 verses in the Psalms; and the words "praise," "praised," and praises" are used in 153 different verses in the same book.
The more God's goodness to you is focused on, the more things you will find to praise Him for. Praise should often be on the Christian's lips - even when he or she is not in church. Although the verse Ps. 100:4, which says: "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name" refers to the Temple – or church – it is the privilege of believers to give Him thanks and praise for all the good He does in our daily lives.
Oftentimes, you – as a Christian – may be downcast because your eyes are on the wrong thing. By looking into the Word of God, and at the promises and blessings He bestows and thanking Him for them, we can still find joy for every day.
And even when there is sorrow, remember that: "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Ps. 30:5).
As believers, you also need to remember that complaining, gloomy, and negative Christians will never make anyone want the Christ you say you have. Confess it as sin. Praising our Lord can turn a dark and gloomy outlook into a joyful one that is exciting.
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Keywords: joy, Christian, rejoice, praise