REASONS TO REJOICE

When someone encourages us to do something, most often we want to know why. Why is a good question. Why we do something is just as important as what we do. Fortunately, the Bible tells us, not just what to do, but why we should do it.

One such passage is Psalm 86. In this psalm, David encourages the reader to rejoice, and then gives three reasons why.

Rejoice the soul of Your servant,

For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,

And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

(Psalm 86:4-5, NKJV)

We should rejoice in God's goodness, forgiveness, and mercy.

First, we should rejoice in the goodness of God. Pagan gods are not good. Some of them were said to be bad. Even those who were called good were false gods, who could do none of the good things they were supposed to do. But our God is the only true God. He does what He says. He is always good. His actions are good. His motives are good. His character is good. He is completely trustworthy.

Second, we should rejoice in the forgiveness of God. God is good. We are not. All of us have sinned and deserve God's punishment. But God loves us. He is willing to forgive those who trust Him. He is not out to get us. He is out to save us. He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment we deserve on the cross, so that those who trust Him can be forgiven. We should rejoice that God makes forgiveness available to us.

Third, we should rejoice in the mercy of God. He does not give us what we deserve. He restrains His wrath, especially for those who trust Him. God is merciful to those who do not yet trust Him, giving them time and opportunity to repent. Sometimes this restraint appears to be inaction; but it is actually God's mercy at work. We should rejoice that God is merciful.

Believe in God's goodness, forgiveness, and mercy.

Receive God's goodness, forgiveness, and mercy.

Rejoice in God's goodness, forgiveness, and mercy.