Young People's Group

“BE GLAD IN THE LORD AND REJOICE, YOU RIGHTEOUS”

by Pastor Mitch
October 07, 2012

The Sorrow That Would Result When We Follow Our Own Ways

In life, the constant tendency for us to stray from the Lord and to do things in our own way is so real. Such stubborn rebellion will only lead us to experience sorrow and spiritual dryness. King David in the text of Psalm 32 wrote of how he was in groaning when he chose to follow his sinful ways and not confess his sins before God (Psalm 32:3-4). He felt his spiritual strength wane as he struggled with a constant sense of guilt. When we choose to walk in our transgressions and we do not seek the Lord’s forgiveness, we would end up with nothing but sorrow.

The Joy That We Can Find In The Lord And In His Ways

Instead of sorrowing, we can find a great sense of joy in the Lord and in following His truths. How can we go about doing this?

1. The Joy Of Having Our Sins Forgiven By God

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.” 
Psalm 32:1

The word “Blessed” can also be translated from Hebrew as “Oh how happy”. There comes tremendous happiness when God forgives the penalty of our sins. When King David sought the Lord’s forgiveness by confessing his sins before Him in prayer, the Lord did forgive him. When our sins are forgiven, the Lord will take away the guilt that we feel with regard to sinning. Great joy will come as a result of experiencing God’s merciful forgiveness.

2. The Joy Of The Lord Preserving Us In Times Of Trouble

“You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.” 
Psalm 32:7

When David trusted the Lord in times of trouble, He became a hiding place for him. The Lord was his refuge and He specially preserved him from all trouble. Even as the Lord delivered him, he would be surrounded with songs of deliverance. The experience of the Lord’s preservation brought joy and a song to his heart.

3. The Joy Of Following The Way Of The Lord

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.” 
Psalm 32:8

When we have received forgiveness, we must change our ways and not return to our old ways. The Lord determines to instruct us with general knowledge of His ways. He will then specially teach us in the way we should go. And as we follow Him, God will guide us further as He sees us take definite steps in our faith. There is joy in following the way of the Lord and to be blessed as a result of it.

The Challenge To Rejoice In The Lord As One Of The Upright

“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” 
Psalm 32:11

When we follow the ways of the Lord, we become righteous and upright. Because of this, we can choose to be glad in the Lord. There is so much in the Lord and in His ways that we can rejoice in. Let’s be glad in Him and shout for joy as we seek to walk in practical uprightness. Let’s offer joyful praise to the Lord with a deep sense of gratitude.

Back to Article Listing