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

It is interesting that this anonymous Psalm should be so intimately connected with Christ. He Himself quoted verses 22 and 23, (Mat­thew 21:42) and the crowd quoted verses 25 and 26 on Palm Sunday. (Matthew 21:9 “Hosanna” essentially means, “O Lord, save us.”) This verse was made into a peppy little chorus years ago, and has been sung in countless languages around the globe. It was evidently written in response to a particular victory of some sort, but it strikes me that every day is a day the Lord has made. It’s interesting that the Japanese expression used here in the translation I’m using doesn’t say “made,” as in making a cake, but rather “gained,” meaning “prepared for a specific purpose.” God doesn’t do anything accidentally. One thing He never says is “Oops!” That’s an important thing for us to remember. Every morning we need to ask the Lord, “For what have You prepared this day?” We should have a sense of anticipation, of excitement, looking forward to what the Lord is going to do, what He will reveal. If we choose to have that attitude, we can rejoice and be glad in whatever the day looks like, because we can trust that God is working in and through it.

I have certainly had days in which I wasn’t rejoicing, but rather focusing on things that were difficult or unpleasant for me. What a waste! I have known the truth of God’s sovereign grace for many years, but it’s taking a long time for that to work into the depths of my being. It’s easy to be objective in talking to others about this issue, but it’s not so easy to be consistent in subjective experience. For example, right now my body would love to go back to bed, even though I have had what should have been sufficient sleep. I don’t know why that is, but I’ve got to trust God with it and choose to rejoice in Him. As I tell others to do, I’ve got to choose and learn to rejoice in my spirit whatever my body feels like. That’s where faith really gets tested, but this kind of testing produces growth, and that’s a good thing.

Father, thank You for everything You allow me to experience, whether it feels good at the moment or not. Thank You for the assurance of Your love, grace, and sovereignty. Help me indeed look forward to what You are going to do, today and each day, so that I will not miss any of the blessings You intend for me, and so that those who see me may likewise be encouraged to turn their eyes and hearts to You, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!