More Than a Coffee Mug (Psalm 118:24)

Famous and misread

Psalm 118:24 is on mugs, shirts, and kitchen signs. That's fine, but it's not a mood booster. Back up a few verses and David is talking about being severely disciplined by the Lord. Israel had defeated nations it had no business beating. This verse gives God the credit.

God's day, not yours

"This is the day the Lord has made" means you didn't make it, and you don't get to decide whether it's good. God already made it. "Let us rejoice" is a command before it's a feeling.

Not fake it till you make it

Forcing a smile ignores what's real. Rejoicing is a decision you make in spite of the struggle, or in the middle of a victory, because God is the one walking you through it. Rejoicing in the win removes pride: God gave you the ability and the circumstances.

From the group

Someone noted that "hope" in Scripture isn't wishful thinking. It's confident expectation. Another said feelings make us yo-yo, and choosing to rejoice keeps us steady.

Try this

• Say the verse out loud tomorrow before checking your phone.
• Thank God for one hard thing and one good thing in your week.