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Tossing in my bed, my body ached for rest, but my mind ran with constant thoughts. My to-do list, the hard conversation, and a family concern consumed my mind and ate up my sleep. Too tired to get up, but too awake to catch any z’s, I laid waiting for the sunlight.
It was at this moment when I decided to turn my worry into prayer. I prayed for my country, my church, my family, and my tomorrow. As I prayed, a verse came to mind: “This is the day the Lord has made. (I) will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NLT) Again and again, I claimed the verse. Peace came, and I drifted off to sleep.
However, the cool thing is, when I woke the next morning, this same verse was in my devotional reading. For me, it was a promise, a directive, a truth, and a comfort! I could approach my day, knowing that God had created me for this moment. I moved forward, convinced He deserved my praise as I accomplished what He had for me. I stepped in, with gladness and joy.
Friends, I tell you this, wondering what keeps you up at night? What is on your mind, causing you anxiety? Maybe it is fear of the Coronavirus, tight finances, or hurting relationships. Perhaps you are stressed over your child’s school schedule or the ‘new norm’.
However, may I whisper in your ear a reminder? Whatever you are facing today, Christ is still worthy of your praise. He is bigger than the problems of your situation.
You can ‘rejoice and be glad’ though you may be worn and weary. How? Some things that are helping me include:
Thanking the Lord for my blessings – I name them one by one.
I remember the character of the good God I serve.
I try to find the good in every situation.
I turn up the praise music and celebrate!
Sometimes, I have to just pause to inhale Jesus and exhale the world (as Bible teacher, Beth Moore says)
Often I pause, rest and then re-engage.
I always try my best to get plenty of sunshine.
I go to bed early.
I remember that I can’t control ‘life’ but I can control my response.
So move forward, my friend, with joy and thanksgiving! This is the day that the Lord hath made, you can rejoice and be glad in it! He is worthy! You are His! And this day was made for you.