Rejoice and Be Glad

Hi Gals,

Summer … it’s hot, humid, and I become a bit lazy!  But, I don’t want to miss out on the days of summer – I don’t want to be so lazy and hazy that I become dull and stagnant.  Just like plants, I think I really need a lot of spiritual “watering” during the summer.

As I think about this I am brought face to face with God’s Word:

Psalm 118:24 (NCV)
²⁴ This is the day that the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad today!

Each day is a celebration of our salvation in Jesus. It is important that in each day and every experience of our lives that we see Jesus in them. Jesus has given us an incomparable gift – not one we deserve but one that is ours – freely given. We are daughters of God – co-heirs with Christ. We are so blessed!  That is our cause for rejoicing and being glad….daily.

So, I say rejoice in every day. It is a gift from God. But it is so easy to slip into a lackadaisical attitude about our wonderful relationship with Jesus. The next time you hear someone say, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it,” think about what that really means. God’s only son who was God made flesh died for you so that you could enter into His presence and live there forever! The day that He did that for the whole world is worthy of our praise EVERY DAY indeed!!!
In my Bible notes I have jotted down the following daily steps to go along with Psalm 118:24.  I don’t know where they came from; they are not original with me, but I want to share them with you.
Everyday is a celebration of life. Begin every day with this affirmation of faith: "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Ps 118:24).


First, today is the day the Lord has made so receive it with joy and gratitude. "In everything give thanks" (1 Thes 5:18).

Second, God only gives you today, not tomorrow, so focus on today. Don't get distracted by the failures of yesterday or the worries of tomorrow.

Third, He has made this day especially for you. Today is not an accident; not just another 24 hours.
Fourth, everything in each day is made for you -- the ups and the downs, the joys and the sorrows. God is involved in every aspect of your today. So, "give thanks for everything" (Eph 5:20).

Finally, expect something good to happen today. Then go out and make something good happen. You've got to make something happen in order to be happy.

In closing, I want to share a prayer written by Elisabeth Elliot:
Loving Lord and heavenly Father, I offer up today all that I am, all that I have, all that I do, and all that I suffer, to be Yours today and Yours forever.  Give me grace, Lord, to do all that I know of Your holy will.  Purify my heart, sanctify my thinking, correct my desires.  Teach me, in all of today’s work and trouble and joy, to respond with honest praise, simple trust, and instant obedience, that my life may be in truth a living sacrifice, by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, my Master and my all. Amen.
Joyfully,
Yvonne