SCRIPTURE: Psalm 118:24
(NIV)
This is the day the
Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
STORY:
Author Leo Buscaglia tells this story about his mother and
their "misery dinner." It was the night after his father came home
and said it looked as if he would have to go into bankruptcy because his
partner had absconded with their firm's funds. His mother went out and sold some
jewelry to buy food for a sumptuous feast. Other members of the family scolded
her for it. But she told them that "the time for joy is now, when we need
it most, not next week." Her courageous act rallied the family.
OBSERVATION:
The time to rejoice is now. The moment for celebration is in
the present. The day has arrived for joy. Not when everything is going great;
not when the water to our life is calm; not when we are in perfect health; not
when we have a good income; not when the children are behaving; not when things
appear to be perfect … but now … regardless of the outward circumstances …
rejoice!
Pull out the fine linen. Set the table with the finest china
and crystal in the house. Use a real tablecloth and cloth napkins. Use the
silver. Cook the best dinner possible. Invite friends and family to share in
the celebration. Rejoice!
God has created each day as special. It is a gift. Embrace
it. Join Snoopy of Peanuts fame in the dance. Put on that happy face because
God is affirming the life that we have. We are alive … so life with rejoicing
and with a glad heart. We have today … Hallelujah.
It does not matter if our team won or lost. It does not
matter if our candidate is ahead in the polls. It does not matter if we are
struggling with finding a job. It does not matter if the doctor’s diagnose is
grim. It does not really matter what we individually might be facing … God is
still in charge so rejoice! Why? Because when there are things that are going
“bump in the night” is the best time to rejoice. That is the exact time for
discovering the joy that God offers.
When we rejoice it changes our attitude. Our perspective
changes. Our attitude reaches new heights. Our spirits our lifted. So today IS
the day that the Lord has made … he makes every day … fills them with precious
minutes and seconds … so rejoice and be glad in it.
Go find an old grumpy frog and kiss them on the lips!
PRAYER:
May your joy be found in us and may it become contagious!
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