“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
Every sunrise brings a fresh start — a chance to ride into the new day with faith and purpose. Psalm 118:24 reminds us that no day is ordinary when God’s hand is behind it. As Christian cowboys, ranchers, and everyday believers, we know the sun doesn’t rise by accident. God made this day, and that means there’s purpose in every moment — even in the hard rides and the quiet trails.
When life feels like a long, dusty road, this verse pulls our gaze back to gratitude. It’s easy to grumble about what we face, but Psalm 118:24 calls us to lift our hearts and say, “Thank You, Lord.” Whether we’re working in the field, tending to our families, or facing the unknown, we can choose joy because God is still in charge of the day.
This verse teaches a powerful truth: joy isn’t found in perfect circumstances—it’s found in perfect trust.
🔥 What Does Psalm 118:24 Mean for Us Today?
Psalm 118:24 celebrates the goodness and sovereignty of God. It’s not just about being cheerful—it’s about recognizing that every sunrise is a sign of His mercy.
When the psalmist says, “This is the day which the Lord hath made,” he’s acknowledging that God is the author of time and the master of our moments. That means the good days, the tough ones, and even the uncertain ones are all under His watchful care.
Here’s what we can draw from it:
- God’s creation is intentional.
No day is wasted or random. Every dawn carries His fingerprints, and each moment is another opportunity to serve, love, and live with faith. - Rejoicing is a choice.
Joy doesn’t always come naturally. But when we choose to rejoice, even in hard times, we’re declaring trust in God’s goodness. - Gratitude transforms the heart.
When we thank God for what we already have, we start to see His blessings more clearly. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in Him.
The heart of this verse is a reminder: You can’t control the day, but you can control how you live it.
🛠 Real Life Stories That People Can Relate To
Imagine a ranch hand waking before dawn, watching the light spread over the horizon. His day will be long—fixing fences, moving cattle, and dealing with weather that doesn’t always cooperate. But as he sips his coffee and watches the sunrise, he whispers, “This is the day which the Lord hath made.”
Even in the fatigue and sweat, he finds peace knowing God made this day for him. He doesn’t know what challenges lie ahead, but he’s already chosen his response—rejoicing in the Lord’s provision.
That’s what Psalm 118:24 looks like in everyday life. It’s the mother raising her children, the pastor preparing a sermon, the worker facing a tough shift—all choosing gratitude over complaint, joy over bitterness, faith over fear.
📝 Lessons
- Gratitude is a daily discipline. Start and end your day with thanksgiving, and watch how it changes your outlook.
- Rejoicing brings strength. Joy isn’t just a feeling; it’s a source of endurance. The joy of the Lord truly is our strength.
- God made this day for you. He didn’t just make a day—He made this one. That means you’re part of His plan today, right where you are.
💭 Reflections
Are there days when you wake up and feel like skipping gratitude? That’s when this verse matters most. God didn’t say, “Rejoice only when life is easy.” He said, “This is the day I made—rejoice in it.”
When we wake up and acknowledge God’s authorship over the day, we begin to see His fingerprints everywhere. The sun breaking through the clouds becomes a reminder of His mercy. The laughter of family becomes evidence of His goodness. Even challenges turn into opportunities to grow closer to Him.
Let today be the day you say, “Lord, no matter what happens, I’ll rejoice because You made it.”
🤠 The Big Takeaway
Psalm 118:24 is a declaration of faith and a call to live joyfully in God’s presence. When you rise in the morning, before the worries hit and the to-do list takes over, pause and remember: This day is God’s masterpiece.
Choosing to rejoice transforms how we see everything—from our work to our relationships. Life may not always ride smooth, but when you know the trail boss is the Lord Himself, you can face the day with courage and gratitude.
So tighten your saddle, lift your head, and ride into the day with joy. The Lord made it—and that’s reason enough to celebrate.
📚 Further Reading
Visit our Scripture Section for more Bible-based reflections.
🔗 Explore Parables of Jesus from the Gospels
🔗 Learn about mercy in our Bible Verses section
🔗 Read the Word of God the Christian Cowboy way
🔗 Meet the heroes of faith in our Cloud of Witnesses