Psalm 118:1 tells us to, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Then verse 24 proclaims, “The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.” Each day that you and I open our eyes is the Lord’s Day. Regardless of how we feel or what situations we face, we are commanded to rejoice. What does the word rejoice really mean? The KJV Dictionary describes rejoice as to experience joy and gladness in a high degree; to be exhilarated with lively and pleasurable sensations; to exult.

     Think about your life at this very moment. Do you have a reason to rejoice? Oh, I know what it may look like. I know it does not feel like victory. However, the Lord of it all is still worthy for you and me to rejoice in Him. So, rejoice in the pain. Rejoice in the disappointment. Rejoice in the unknown. Romans 5:3-5 encourages us to rejoice by saying, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” In this life we will suffer, but we can still rejoice in Jesus.

   When I think about giving God praise and worship and just being thankful, my mind goes to Isaiah 25:1. It says, “O LORD, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.” Can we thank God because He is faithful? Can we praise Jesus because we are not alone in our situations? Can we still worship even when we don’t get a yes? When it’s all said and done, our posture must be bent towards obedience and worship to Jesus, so I encourage you to “Give Him What You Owe Him”!