Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "glad"! There are two different Hebrew words and one Greek word that we'll be looking at. The first is found in Psalm 9:2:

2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "samach". Strong's Concordance says: to brighten up, i.e. be or make blithe or gleesome. Brown-Driver-Briggs Lexicon says: to rejoice or cause to rejoice. The Theological Wordbook says: denotes being glad or joyful with the whole disposition. It's a daily choice to be glad in the Lord, regardless of the situation and circumstances we may be facing! The next example is found in Psalm 31:7:

7 I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy and steadfast love, because You have seen my affliction, You have taken note of my life's distresses, AMP

This is the Hebrew word "giyl". Strong's Concordance says: to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion) usually rejoice. The Theological Wordbook says: Root meaning is "to circle around". It is more applicable to vigorous, enthusiastic expressions of joy. One thing that I have found out about God is that He is VERY demonstrative! He is NOT shy, quiet or reserved when it comes to expressing His love for us! I like to take every glorious sunrise or beautiful cloud formation as an expression of His love for me, because He knows how much I love them! I am sure that He has revealed Himself to you through the things that you love, such as music! So, when we are happy, thankful and grateful, or when we are concerned, under attack and standing on His Word, it is ALWAYS the right time to celebrate HIM! The last example is found in Matthew 5:11-12:

11 Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous — with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account. 12 Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you. AMP

Glad here is the Greek word "agalliao". Strong's Concordance says: to jump for joy, i.e. to exalt. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to rejoice exceedingly. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: it conveys the idea of jubilant exultation, spiritual "gladness". SO, when people give us a hard time, or the cold shoulder, because of our stand on the Word of God, we are to "jump for joy"! Jesus got the same response form some when HE went about ministering the Word! We're in good company, AND the rewards are amazing! Jerry Savelle has a great teaching called "If Satan Can't Steal Your Joy, He Can't Keep Your Goods"! A grateful, joyful attitude will put us over in every situation, AND, it's much more fun to live that way! Here is Hillsong Kids with "Get Up And Dance":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!