VOICE OF REJOICING

“The VOICE of REJOICING and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly” – Psalm 118:15

The VOICE of REJOICING and Salvation is meant to abide in the tents of God's people: “The VOICE of REJOICING and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly” (Psa.118:15). As we mature in the Perfections of Praise, we shall always have cause to celebrate the goodness of the Lord and be jubilant in victory. Speaking practically, how do we rejoice in this present world, in which the news is filled with all sorts of evil? Conflicts, wars, massacres, are daily occurrences. In Psalm 118, we are encouraged by God’s mercy, deliverance, protection, trustworthiness, power, strength, and salvation.

Verses 1-4 speak of God’s mercy: “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let Israel now say… Let the house of Aaron now say…Let those who fear the Lord now say, “His mercy endures forever.”

Verses 5-7 speak of God’s deliverance and protection: “I called on the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is for me among those who help me; therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.”

Verses 8-9 speak of God’s trustworthiness: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.”

Verses 10-13 speak of God’s power to help: “All nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. …They surrounded me like bees; they were quenched like a fire of thorns; for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them…”

Verses 14-16 speak of God’s strength and salvation: “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.”

The Psalmist then declares what keeps him alive: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord” (v.17). Declaring the works of the Lord in Praise – that is the secret! Knowing who God is, what He has done, and His mercy and concern for us, we should rejoice and praise Him always.

Let’s try to paint a picture of verse15. Imagine the battle front three millennia ago. Overlooking a verdant valley in Israel were the tents of an invading army. On the opposite hillside were the tents of Israel’s army – a quiet, sombre encampment, with soldiers sharpened their swords and spears, with sober thoughts running deep as they sheltered for a final night of rest before the impending battle. The day dawned, the battle ensued, weapons clanged, as discordant cries echoed across the landscape. As the hours wore on, the remnants of invaders fell back in full surrender. Israel had won! As the sun dipped below the horizon, they returned to camp. Weak and weary, they collapsed in their tents, drained, but victorious! Soon, silence in the camp was overtaken by shouts of triumph from tent to tent. Cries and shrieks turned to songs of victory.

That’s the picture of “the Voice of rejoicing and salvation” in the tents of God’s people! No wonder, the Psalmist declared: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (v.24). Are you faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges? Are you quietly, soberly, perhaps fearfully facing the prospects of tomorrow? No matter what assailant is staked out on the hillside against you, there is hope. The right hand of the Lord still does valiantly. Rest in the Lord and let Him fight your battles. Trust in Him, and He will strengthen and defend you. And surely, you will keep on rejoicing in your tents. This is the day that the Lord has made – let us rejoice and be glad!