In this life we live on one side or the other. We live a sad life, or we live a glad life.

There is not a balance between the two. We may spend time on both sides, but we are prone and influenced to one.

Can we choose which side? Christians believe they are chosen – in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4-5)

Whether we believe we are chosen or not, we have the choice to read what God’s Word says about this reality, to understand the difference and desire the ‘glad life’ He gives.

We find that those who live on the ‘glad side’ live in a special relationship with God.

The  Glad Side is the bright side, the side of a fruitful life.

And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God;
We have waited for Him, and He will save us.
This is the Lord; We have waited for Him;
We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”  Is. 25:9

May my meditation be sweet to Him; 
I will be glad in the Lord. Ps. 104:34

Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the Lord your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He will cause the rain to come down for you—
The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month. Joel 2:23

Glad in His Righteousness

The following verses refer to this fellowship we have with God, our Father, through the Lord Jesus Christ (through whom we are made righteous) by the working of the Holy Spirit in us. 

 The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in Him.
And all the upright in heart shall glory. Ps. 64:10

 But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God;
Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly. Ps. 68:3

 The hope of the righteous will be gladness,
But the expectation of the wicked will perish. Pro. 10:2

Glad in His mercy

Though I live on the ‘glad side’ I often experience the oppression of this life, and the feelings of sorrow overtake me, but by our Father’s keeping power, I am brought through the trial of the moment back home in praise and thanksgiving, where I know I belong

I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy,
For You have considered my trouble;
You have known my soul in adversities,  Ps. 31:7

 Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! Ps. 90:14

Glad in Quietness and Trust

 Then they are glad because they are quiet;
So He guides them to their desired haven. Ps. 107:30

Glad in Times of Persecution

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven,
for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Mt. 5:12

But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings,
that when His glory is revealed,
you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Pt. 4:13

Bringing Others to the Glad Side

Though we do not live on the ‘sad side’ we are sent to give encouragement to those who live there.

And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Roms.10:15

That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones,
That I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation,
That I may glory with Your inheritance. Ps. 106:5

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls;
though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. 2 Cor. 12:15

 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith,
I am glad and rejoice with you all. Phil. 2:17

The humble shall see this and be glad;
And you who seek God, your hearts shall live. Ps. 69:32

My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Ps.34:2 

Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad 
and glorified the word of the Lord.
And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
Acts 13:48

Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and His wife has made herself ready.” Rev. 19:7

Holy and merciful Father, we praise you for calling us out of darkness into your marvelous light, delivering us out of darkness and ignorance into the kingdom of your dear Son who is the light of our gladness who rejoices in us, and for your Holy Spirit who lives through us to encourage those who live in sadness and sorrow. Through us, your people, give them a taste of your mercy, your love, and your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

See related article; The Glad Rule

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