Jun 8, 2025, 5:00 am

 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 

Very simple, very profound.  

To rejoice is to experience and express profound joy and happiness. It involves being deeply pleased and celebrating the good things in life. Rejoicing in the Lord involves acknowledging God’s grace and presence in your life, even in difficult times. There are many ways to express joy in the body and this has numerous health benefits. Though every religion has sacred days dedicated to celebration, expressions of joy need not be limited to one specific day.

Faith Meets Emotion: A Divine Pairing

The verse in Psalm 118:24 contains two truths: first, that God is the creator of each day (a statement of faith), and second, that we are invited to respond to that creation with joy (an emotional expression).

Coming from Islam to Christianity, this idea of being joyful is still new to me. In my previous religious practice, there was much concern about the legalities of doing the right things in the right way, at the right times. Awe and fear were most important feelings to have towards God and the worship of Him. However, to follow Christ is to embrace a love and grace-based faith where emotional expression—rejoicing—is not only allowed but encouraged.

When the last chains of my spiritual shame were broken…I cried…hard! I wept from a place inside me I didn’t know about. I wept in the crevices where there were spider webs on old pain and its lies. And after a good hard minute or 2 of weeping, something strange happened…I laughed. I laughed so hard, and I jumped! and I shouted! I shouted, “This is the best night ever!!!” Kind of corny but the truth. I rejoiced that my guilt and shame had truly been cast away! The lightness I felt is

Ultimately, spiritual and emotional health go hand in hand. Rejoicing is an emotional act, yes, but also a spiritual one. The more we celebrate God’s grace, the more we open ourselves to healing. This union of spirit and emotion is not new. It echoes across scriptures and sacred traditions. Psalm 98 invites creation itself—the rivers, the mountains—to rejoice. Joy, then, is not only human but cosmic.

Why rejoice?

The Sacred Power of Rejoicing on Emotional, Spiritual, and Physical Health

Someone might say, “Why should I rejoice when life is so bad?” The focus on negative aspects of life can begin a cycle of discontent. A person may cite a myriad reasons—ranging from economic instability to personal failures—that justify their unhappiness. This mindset not only diminishes one’s quality of life but also contradicts the biblical exhortation found in Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” The call to rejoice serves as a reminder that emotional and spiritual health are interconnected; neglecting one invariably affects the other

Rejoicing in the Lord means finding joy and delight in God, not just in fleeting emotions, but in a deeper, more profound state of joy rooted in your relationship with Him and His love. It’s a choice to focus on God’s goodness and blessings, even when facing difficulties, and to trust in His promises and plan.  Rejoicing strengthens your faith, offers hope and stabilitiy, and is a way to emulate Jesus.

Joy has been scientifically linked to numerous health benefits, impacting both physical and mental well-being. It can lead to improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and even a strengthened immune system. Moreover, experiencing joy can enhance mental resilience and improve sleep quality.  Joy enhances mental well-being, improves memory, and increases creativity.

What does rejoicing look like?

Rejoicing in Practice: Tools for Embodied Joy

Rejoicing is not always spontaneous. Sometimes, it must be practiced, cultivated, even scheduled. I want to provide a simple and profound toolkit for doing just that: These practices are not tied to one religion—they are universal expressions of humanity. I would challenge readers of all faiths (or none) to ask themselves: What does rejoicing look like for you? What makes you want to rejoice? Laugh? But right now, let’s just rejoice. I would love for you to rejoice with me! How are we going to rejoice?

• We’re going to shout! – Releasing vocal energy frees the nervous system and stirs confidence.
• We’re going to dance, jump, and stomp! – Moving to rhythm creates joy in the body and connects people to cultural roots.
• We’re going to laugh until we cry!
• We’re going to sing songs of Victory! Music lifts the soul, whether it’s gospel, African spirituals, or a handpan melody.
• We’re going to clap – applauding the goodness of God
• We’re going to raise our arms and hands to the heavens – viscerally surrendering our will to the Almighty and opening up a divine portal,k ready to receive

Psalm 98:8 says: “Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy.”

”Oh clap your hands, all ye peoples; Shout unto God with the voice of triumph. Psalms 47:1

Journal Entry

Have a journal, 2 good pens, a highlighter. and a Bible; whether digital or in text. These are the tools that you need. 

• Focus on God’s grace: Acknowledge His presence in your life and His unwavering love. 
• Pray and meditate: Engage in prayer to strengthen your faith and find peace in God’s love. 
• Find joy in service: Help others and give back to your community, finding joy in making a difference. 
• Journal with Intention – Writing down blessings, thoughts, or prayers makes internal joy visible.
• Meditate on Scripture – Let verses like Psalm 47:1 and Psalm 98:8 shape the language of praise: “Oh clap your hands, all ye peoples… Let the rivers clap their hands.”

What does rejoicing look or sound like for you? When was the last time you allowed yourself to fully rejoice, no matter your circumstances?

Share you thoughts, reflections, or discoveries by email or in the comments.

I will be talking to you soon!

Nela

nelajaye@gmail.com