TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24 NKJV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Ah, the morning after Daylight Savings Time! The alarm went off at 5, and I was fully awake by 5:10, wondering for a split second why I was so ready to get up… then I remembered. My body thinks it’s 6. And 6 is late for me. I’m usually up (or at least awake) between 5:15-5:30 most days.
Since midterm elections are this week, don’t you think it would be great if all our newly elected officials would do just ONE THING that could really unite our country and bring a moment of grateful joy to this increasingly hostile national discord? Eliminating Daylight Savings Time could be the single greatest act of bipartisan cooperation in the history of our government.
I digress… I hope you all enjoyed your extra hour of sleep! But extra hour or not — “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24).
It’s easy to overlook that. I know several who had REALLY bad weeks last week. From work issues to health issues to family issues — there’s a lot that can cause immense stress. Though I think my poor friend Lisa won top prize for the worst week when she and her husband learned they have a snake infestation in their house.
When we’re having a bad moment, or a bad day, or bad week, or bad season… it is easy to wallow and get lost in the overwhelming emotions that blind us to the truth: even on our worst days, God is good. And in His mercy, He’s given you another day. So even on the worst of the worst days — remember, the Lord is good. He made this day. And you need to rejoice and be glad in it.
I’ve been neck deep in the book of James recently, so let’s remember that this Psalm doesn’t apply to just the good days. James reminds us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3). And Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). And talk about your bad days — Paul wrote that from prison.
Whatever you’re dealing with today or dreading this coming week — remember that rejoicing isn’t an option for the Christian. We don’t have to like or even understand our challenges, but we need to see past our immediate circumstances and recognize God has a good and bigger plan. Jesus modeled this. As it is written in Hebrews 12:2b, “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus looked beyond the horror and agony of the cross to what the end result would mean for you and me. And that truth alone is reason to rejoice.
Praise the Lord today.
Today, as you pray, ponder the words of the psalmist — “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see beyond your circumstances and focus on the purpose for which you were created: to give glory to God. Thank Him for this day. Ask Him to help you shine the light of Jesus wherever you go.
SHARING ••• My Grace-Full Life is written by Denise Heidel. You are welcome to share anything I write, but please credit my writing and graphics accordingly. Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. Subscribe through my website to have My Grace-Full Life delivered to your email. You can unsubscribe at any time. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the NKJV translation.
