Steve Gaines

In this Christmas season we recognize that we all have much for which to be grateful. Psalm 31:7-8 says, “I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness, because You have seen my affliction. You have known the troubles of my soul, and You have not given me over into the hand of the enemy. You have set my foot in a large place.”

We rejoice in God’s compassion. David led and lived passionately. He also sinned passionately by committing adultery, but God forgave him when he repented. He will do the same for us, and that is a valid reason for rejoicing.

We rejoice in God’s identification. David rejoiced that God cared about the daily trials he experienced. God feels our pain, too. He sees every tear and knows every burden we carry.

We rejoice in God’s protection. David had enemies: his brothers, Goliath, King Saul, the Philistines, and his own son Absalom, to name a few. Through it all, God protected David. God will protect us, as well. If we walk by faith, He will be our Sword and Shield (Deuteronomy 33:29).

We rejoice in God’s promotion. David became Israel’s greatest king. Promotion comes from God, not from man. He elevates one and abases another. Humble yourself, obey Him, seek His face, and He will exalt you in due time.

Christians should rejoice (Philippians 4:6)! God’s joy gives us strength (Nehemiah 8:10). We should rejoice because God forgives us, identifies with our sufferings, protects us, and promotes us, though we do not deserve it. May our confession be, “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24)!”