Rejoicing in God is our joyful declaration that the King of the universe reigns.
But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God; Yes, let them rejoice with gladness. (v.3) This verse paints a vivid picture of God’s people celebrating in His presence, lifting up joyful hearts filled with gratitude. The psalmist calls on the “righteous”—those who live faithfully according to God’s ways—to find gladness in belonging to Him. Their joy springs from deep assurance that God is worthy of praise, and that His power and goodness sustain them through every circumstance. When we choose to exult before Him, we align ourselves with the truth that He is the ultimate source of hope and security.
This rejoicing theme arises throughout Scripture. In 1 Peter 1:6, believers are called to “greatly rejoice,” even in the face of trials, because salvation is secure and Christ’s resurrection offers unshakeable hope. The Greek word used for “greatly rejoice” can mean to be “extremely joyful,” highlighting how exuberant our celebration can be. Jesus Himself taught His followers to “rejoice and be glad” when facing hardship (Matthew 5:12) because God’s kingdom perspective turns the world’s values upside down. In similar fashion, Psalm 68:3 points our hearts upward, urging us to honor the Lord with sincere praise and a spirit of joyful thanks.
We see this fulfilled in the New Testament through the life of Christ, who endured the cross and was resurrected in victory, giving His followers the ultimate reason to exult in God. From this vantage point, the righteous can continually choose gladness. Even in difficulties, they rest in God’s promises and triumph through Him, knowing that their rejoicing bears witness to an unchanging Lord who brings deliverance and salvation.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 68:3 meaning
But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God; Yes, let them rejoice with gladness. (v.3) This verse paints a vivid picture of God’s people celebrating in His presence, lifting up joyful hearts filled with gratitude. The psalmist calls on the “righteous”—those who live faithfully according to God’s ways—to find gladness in belonging to Him. Their joy springs from deep assurance that God is worthy of praise, and that His power and goodness sustain them through every circumstance. When we choose to exult before Him, we align ourselves with the truth that He is the ultimate source of hope and security.
This rejoicing theme arises throughout Scripture. In 1 Peter 1:6, believers are called to “greatly rejoice,” even in the face of trials, because salvation is secure and Christ’s resurrection offers unshakeable hope. The Greek word used for “greatly rejoice” can mean to be “extremely joyful,” highlighting how exuberant our celebration can be. Jesus Himself taught His followers to “rejoice and be glad” when facing hardship (Matthew 5:12) because God’s kingdom perspective turns the world’s values upside down. In similar fashion, Psalm 68:3 points our hearts upward, urging us to honor the Lord with sincere praise and a spirit of joyful thanks.
We see this fulfilled in the New Testament through the life of Christ, who endured the cross and was resurrected in victory, giving His followers the ultimate reason to exult in God. From this vantage point, the righteous can continually choose gladness. Even in difficulties, they rest in God’s promises and triumph through Him, knowing that their rejoicing bears witness to an unchanging Lord who brings deliverance and salvation.