This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24
Robert J. Hastings grew up during the Great Depression and became a minister, a writer, an editor, and a professional speaker. He described the depression years in writings such as “A Nickel’s Worth of Skim Milk: A Boy’s View of the Great Depression,” “A Penny’s Worth of Minced Ham.” and “The Station.” In one he stated, ”It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad. It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. … Regret and fear are the twin thieves who rob us of today.” Television psychologist Dr. Phil is fond of saying, “Not even God can change yesterday; tomorrow isn’t here yet; all you have is now.”
Every day is a day that the Lord has made. From Genesis 1:5, when “And there was morning and there was evening, the first day,” to Revelation 22:5, when in glory “night will be no more,” God has ordained every day. Louisiana Pastor Rodney Johnson states that each day is provided, providential, purposeful, a priority, a praying day, and a praiseworthy day. All your days combined are “preparatory days,” he says, days that are being used to prepare you to meet with your Savior face to face. What better reason is there to celebrate today?
The 19th century pastor C.T. Stroud wrote a poem that includes, “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” Rejoice in the Lord as you live out His plan for your life and submit to His will each day. Rise with a smile and an attitude of expectation in the morning. God is at work and, when He finally says, “Well done,” you will know it has been worth it all!
Today’s Verse: Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 90:9-17
For all our days pass away under your wrath;
we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
10 The years of our life are seventy,
or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span is but toil and trouble;
they are soon gone, and we fly away.
11 Who considers the power of your anger,
and your wrath according to the fear of you?
12 So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
13 Return, O Lord! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
and for as many years as we have seen evil.
16 Let your work be shown to your servants,
and your glorious power to their children.
17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands!
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
