October 11, 2026 -- Day Eleven of Joy: Psalm 32:10-11

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
   but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous,
   and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
Psalm 32:10-11 ESV
 
The fact is all of us were wicked. No one is born free from sin and able to live a life that is pleasing to the LORD our God. Therefore, all of us have experienced the consequences of our sins and the sorrows of our contumacy. That is where this Psalm began—noting how blessed is the man, the woman, the child, whose sin is covered. It is the love of the LORD Who embraces His people with steadfast love. It is love that on His part can never be dimmed, broken, or diminished. In fact, the more we mature in Christ, the more His love is real to the one who trusts in Him.
 
No wonder the Psalmist is calling on believers to be glad, rejoice, and shout for joy. Contemplating what God has done causes the believer to feel gladness. Then to go around in rejoicing, telling others and giving off contagious exuberance. Finally, the believer shouts with joy! Ever wonder how many fans at a soccer match, or a football game, or hockey match shout themselves hoarse as they celebrate their team? We serve a God Whose rich kindness and great mercy and indescribable love will not end. I think we have the greater reason to shout ourselves hoarse in joy as we praise Him!
 
Remember, O my soul,
It is thy duty and privilege to rejoice in God;
He requires it of thee for all his favours of grace.
Rejoice then in the Giver and his goodness,
Be happy in him, O my heart, and in nothing but God,
for whatever a man trusts in,
from that he expects happiness.
He who is the ground of thy faith
should be the substance of thy joy.
Whence then come heaviness and dejection,
when joy is sown in thee,
promised by the Father,
bestowed by the Son,
inwrought by the Holy Spirit,
thine by grace,
thy birthright in believing?
Art thou seeking to rejoice in thyself
from an evil motive of pride and self-reputation?
Thou hast nothing of thine own but sin,
nothing to move God to be gracious,
or to continue his grace towards thee.
If thou forget this thou wilt lose thy joy.
Art thou grieving under a sense of indwelling sin?
Let godly sorrow work repentance,
as the true spirit which the Lord blesses,
and which creates fullest joy;
Sorrow for self opens rejoicing in God,
Self-loathing draws down divine delights.
Hast thou sought joys in some creature comfort?
Look not below God for happiness;
fall not asleep in Delilah’s lap.
Let God be all in all to thee,
and joy in the fountain that is always full.
Amen
“A Colloquy on Rejoicing” Valley of Vision, page 278
 
https://youtu.be/zhhYIZJj6rk?si=2w-qHWDuTeDw378U
 

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