Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.”
The Lord is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death. Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. I will give You thanks, for You answered me; You have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (NIV)
A very joyful song comes to mind: "This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it....." If you look through YouTube videos of this song, you cannot help but feel renewed and excited about what the Lord has in store for us today.
All days do not seem to start out joyfully. I remember the days of getting five kids out of bed and ready for school, breakfast, backpacks, homework....Mom, I can't find my other shoe! Hurry, we'll be late! No end, it seems, to the bumps and busy-ness of life. We are only a few days from feeling all the weight of Good Friday, and yet today we can rejoice in the victory of Easter! Remember the saying it's always darkest just before the dawn? We are so very fortunate to have the goodness and love and strength of the Lord with us always, guiding us forward and holding us up and not giving up on us even when things seem darkest. So many marvelous things He has done for us! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Questions for Reflection:
- Can we find joy in everyday things to help us remember and be thankful for all the wondrous gifts He gives us?
- Is there a way we can show others the strength and love we receive without ever deserving it?
Prayer
Dear loving Lord, thank you for all you do for me. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and always being my strength. Help me to share your joy with others every day. Because of your sacrifice, I can rejoice and be glad, forever! Amen
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