Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (HCSB)
It is hard for our body to feel glad for the day when we first wake up in the morning. Our muscles are tired, our physical body craves more rest, and the day’s tasks beckon our immediate attention. Daily routine can become monotonous and exhausting if we limit our view of the day to our own schedules and efforts. Choosing praise as our first action of the day helps set our focus on Jesus and becomes the lens through which we can view the day-His day. Today’s key verse challenges us with three ways to start our day with praise:
- “THIS IS THE DAY”: God is calling you to this day, not tomorrow nor yesterday. Neither your past nor your future can claim you today (Philippians 3:13, Matthew 6:34). The LORD has purpose and a plan for this day.
- “THE LORD HAS MADE”: We forget the significance of the sun coming up each morning and going down each evening, but it is God’s creation set in motion, and we get to witness it each day! (Psalm 104:19)
- “LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT”: This phrase is calling us to action. It does not merely say that rejoicing would be a good thing to do. It is not an empty “hashtag let’s do this thing” type of statement. We choose to rejoice and be glad in this day. Do you live like you are glad to be a follower of Christ? Will you be the hands and feet of Jesus today? Joy is contagious and the world notices the hope and joy that we have in Christ, but not if it is veiled in a scowl and complaint (Philippians 4:4-5). Let’s not grow complacent or give up on the world around us. It is easy to let the pain, suffering, and frustration of the world get us down, but the nightly news is not God’s News! As believers, we have so much more to look forward to when Jesus returns-the best has yet to come! The world still needs to hear the message of hope in Jesus. May we never forget that God is very much still at work in the hearts of people in this world. The LORD has made this very day.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Dear Lord, I rejoice in this day you have made. Help me to live like it is yours, not mine. Your creation is amazing, and you are in perfect control. You have a purpose and a plan for this day. Prepare my heart for the people you will put across my path today. May I show them your love and the peace, hope, and joy that I have in you Jesus. Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Galatians 5:13- For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.