I’m memorizing Psalm 33. Verse 1 says, “Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful.” Rejoicing is praise. The Hebrew definition for rejoice is to sing out for joy.

Nehemiah 8:10 ~ the joy of the Lord is our strength. Need physical, emotional, or spiritual strength? Rejoice in the Lord. Here is one way. Isaiah 12:3 says, “Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”

John 15:11 states Jesus’ gift ~ irrevocable joy. Psalm 43:4 says, “…to God my exceeding joy.…” Our joy is within, but we can cover it over with negative thoughts, unconfessed sin, allowing bitter roots to remain, etc.

Psalm 32:11 says, “Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” Upright means that our sins are confessed, and our heart is open to the Lord because there is nothing hidden.