Psalm 86:4 expresses a heartfelt plea for joy and connection with God: “Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.”
This verse reveals the deep desire for divine joy and the act of entrusting one’s entire being to the Lord.
“Rejoice the soul of thy servant,” is a prayer for God to bring joy and gladness to the psalmist’s life. The term “rejoice” implies a profound, inner sense of joy that only God can provide. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the relationship between the servant and the Lord. It is a joy that sustains and uplifts, even in the midst of trials and difficulties.
“For unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul,” indicates a deliberate act of surrender and trust. Lifting up one’s soul to God signifies offering one’s entire being—mind, will, and emotions—to Him. It is an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and an expression of deep trust in His care and guidance. By lifting up our souls to the Lord, we open ourselves to His transformative work in our lives, allowing Him to fill us with His joy and peace.
Reflecting on this verse, we see the importance of seeking joy from God and the act of surrendering our lives to Him. True joy comes from a relationship with God and is experienced when we entrust our deepest selves to Him.
In practical terms, lifting up our souls to God involves daily practices of prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word. It means bringing our worries, fears, and desires before Him, trusting that He will provide what we need and fill us with His joy. It also means cultivating a spirit of gratitude and worship, recognizing God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives.
Jesus spoke of this joy in John 15:11, where He said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” The joy that Jesus offers is complete and fulfilling, stemming from abiding in Him and living in accordance with His teachings.
Today, let us follow the example of the psalmist and lift up our souls to the Lord. Let us seek His joy and trust in His loving care, knowing that He delights in bringing joy to His servants. As we lift our souls to God, may we experience the profound joy that comes from being in His presence and relying on His grace.
May our hearts be filled with the joy of the Lord, and may our lives reflect the peace and contentment that come from surrendering to Him. Let us rejoice in His goodness and lift up our souls in continual trust and worship. Amen.
