This is the Day...Rejoice!

"This is the day the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

I had to get up at 3:45 am today to take my husband to work. We only have one car and on Saturdays we each have early morning Bible Studies we attend. I usually drop him off at his men's group and then I head over to my friend, Janet's house for our ladies group. But this morning, Mark had to work some overtime. Not something he likes to do, but circumstances necessitated it. But, that meant in order for me to attend my Saturday morning ladies group, I had to drive him in to work.

Have I ever mentioned I'm not a morning person?

Anyway, as I was driving home I was praying and really just complaining to God. You see, this year hasn't been all that fun. And I have spent most of it wishing it would just be over. On the one hand I have said, "God has new mercy every morning".... and He does. But I have also said, "This year is really @$%#% and I just want it to be over!"

As I was driving home, tears running down my face, two Psalms popped into my head...

"This is the day the Lord has made;

 rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

and right behind that one....

"Let the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O Lord, my strength

and my Redeemer."

Psalm 119.14

Well, needless to say I was convicted on both counts. The first verse reminded me that every day is a gift from the Lord and each one has new mercy, new opportunities and new divine appointments if we but look for them. The second verse is the benediction we say after every service at our church. It is also one of the earliest verses I remember memorizing as a child. And yet, the words of my mouth have been speaking death into each day of this year.

It's time to turn this around.

We still are facing many challenges this holiday season. I would covet your prayers for our family, immedate and extended members. The Holy Spirit will guide you in what to pray. There are health issues, financial issues, relational issues, employment issues, emotional issues... this will be the first Christmas without my Mom and Aunt Jo, and the first Christmas my son, Mitchell won't be home with the family. And while our Christmas trees are beautiful, there's nothing under them....well, except the cat, Jasper.

So, the challenge to myself I also extend to you....

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart declare

that this IS the day the Lord has made...

REJOICE! And be glad in it!

Merry Christmas!

'Lena