This is the Day

 Psalm 118:24 (NASB)

²⁴  This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

This is the day the LORD has made. This September 1, 2022. It is a new day filled with fresh opportunities to encounter and serve our God. This day is a gift from the Creator. While it may be filled with some familiar routines, it has never been lived before. It is a day filled with potential. None of us knows what this day holds. 

Maybe we will have the chance to share a gospel witness. Maybe we will get to serve someone who can do nothing for us in return. Maybe today God opens His word to us in a fresh and exciting way to reveal wondrous things we have not known. Maybe today we get so caught up with the LORD in prayer that we lose track of time and everything around us. Maybe today we finally see God answer that prayer we have petitioned Him for such a long time. 

God made this day. Sure, there is evil in this day. Sure, vile venomous demon possessed people in positions of authority seem hell bent to destroy this nation. God is not surprised nor is He shaken. He has a prescribed plan. In that plan there was contingency for September 1, 2022. God made this day. Light will soon dispel the darkness. Both spiritually and literally. Though rain is forecast for the day, the SON WILL STILL SHINE. 

I don't know what this day holds for you. I don't know what trials, adversities, and sorrows you are struggling with on this day. I only know what God's word states. He made this day. We are supposed to rejoice in it. That is the last thing some of you may feel like doing. I have certainly been there myself from time to time. When the sufferings and struggles of this world strangle the joy out of you. 

I get it. Many of you are not in joyful circumstances. Things are tough. Might I ask a few questions. Does God still sit securely on His throne on tough days and seasons? Has His power been diminished one iota over time? Is He less powerful today than yesterday? Does He see you and your circumstances? Does He know your name? Are you His child, saved through the blood of Jesus? Are your present trials temporary in nature? From God's perspective is your situation hopeless? 

We have reason to rejoice. On this very day to cheer God on for His good work. Last night a man mentioned in Bible study that the human body has a million chemical reactions per second that we are not even aware of. Today you have air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat, shelter to protect you, a Bible to study, and prayer to plead for God's help. There are multiple reasons to rejoice in this day. 

You can also be glad in this day. You can exult in God and the gift of life. It is your choice whether you approach the day with gladness or whether you approach the day with a sullen attitude. Some people live their whole lives like rain clouds hang over their head making them moody and unpleasant to be around. You can choose to be overcome by your circumstances. Defeated. Depressed. You can also choose to live by faith, with hope, and be glad. You can exult in the God of creation who helps us through tough days. 

Which will you choose? I think of a couple facing a terminal illness. They both know the end is coming for one of them. They daily choose joy in the midst of suffering. I cannot put into words how they inspire me. Anyone can be glad on pleasant paths. Choosing joy in suffering speaks to a greater treasure found in God who is the source of joy. See Psalm 16:11. Which will you choose today? Joy and gladness or despair and defeat? We are mandated to choose joy. 

So come on light of day. Let the earth awaken and people too. Let opportunities unfold. Let your people enter the secret place to encounter You and be replenished with joy. Let us go through our day splashing joy and gladness on everyone we meet.