Rejoice Today and Everyday

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
(Psalm 118:24)

Have you ever had one of those days when you just wanted to go back to bed and pull the covers up over your head? Everything seems to be going wrong. Everyone has a bone to pick with you, and even if the sun is shining, there’s a dark cloud hanging over you. I’ve had a couple of months straight of those days. I keep hoping it’s going to be better tomorrow, but when it’s not, I get discouraged. I guess that's normal for most people, but I’m a child of the Most High God, a follower of Jesus Christ, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit! What am I thinking? It’s right then, when I’m busy feeling sorry for myself, the Holy Spirit slaps me upside the back of my head and puts this scripture in my heart. Thankfully he’s patient with me lately, but the back of my head is getting pretty sore. (Just kidding)
Even on the days when most unbelievers would be moping around saying, “Woe is me!” – we should remember this day belongs to the Lord. He made it, so we can rejoice. Not in our troubles, no one wants to suffer through hard times. He wants us to rejoice in him. He has set us apart from those who have nothing to rejoice about. Before I was saved, I would rejoice in small victories, but they were few and far apart. I thought being happy and rejoicing were the same thing. I know now I can rejoice in the Lord, even though I’m in the midst of hardship. He is the source of our greatest joy, that is he plucked out of this sinful world and being set apart
He has set me free from the bondage of sin and wickedness. Did God promise me a trouble-free life when I repented and turned to him? Absolutely not. In fact, he promises the opposite. He wants me to be happy, but I will suffer tribulation. It’s when I’m deep in that valley of despair, I can reach inward and find that glimmer of light. I know that’s Jesus. His love and sacrifice is where I can find a reason to rejoice. When compared to eternity, the days I suffer through, as hard as they may be, are so few they don’t hardly matter. It’s important to remember that the Lord counts our days. He does not promise anyone tomorrow, so let’s be sure to rejoice in today, it may be our last.





Lord God, with just your spoken word, you created the sun, the moon, and the stars. Your power knows no bounds. Your might is without equal. We bow to your authority and majesty. You are our lord and master and we are your bondservants, Father. You purchased us with the blood of Jesus. We freely submit to your lordship over our lives. Father, you gave us this wonderful day to do your will. Let us accomplish all that you set before us. Help us to rejoice every day in our triumphs and even in our defeats. Whether we are down in the valley or up on top of the mountain, Father, remind us to always rejoice. Give us steadfastness in our work for your Kingdom. Give us the courage to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone we meet. Soften the hearts of our friends and family members who have, so far, rejected a relationship with your Son. Give us a heart like Jesus, Father, so that we can be his light to a world that so desperately needs him. We pray all this in the name of Jesus. Amen!
Location: Kendall, NY 14476, USA

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