Sunday, May 6, 2012

Rejoice in the Lord by Ann Elaine Broughton



“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 NIV).

    When you wake up in the morning is the first words out of your mouth, “Thank you, Lord for this wonderful day that you have given me to serve you.”  I read somewhere that it is natural to feel a little sad in the morning and that you should have a picture by your bedside that makes you feel happy in the morning. I am thinking reciting the above verse will help you. You see every day is a gift given to you and what you do with this gift is up to you. If someone gives you a gift do you toss it in the garbage with a frown on your face? I doubt that.  
     When I get a present I am so very happy. I open it with happiness and cherish whatever it is because it was given to me in love. God has given you the gift of life, and it is up to you to look upon each day with happiness knowing that God loves you. So how do you think He feels when you wake up all grumpy and sad? Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10 NIV). God wants you to have life to the full in every way. The way you view each day is up to you. You control what you think. Try starting your day with praising God and a smile and see if your day won’t go better.
    You do know that joy is one of the fruits of the spirit and is available to you all the time. It is up to you to seek it. You can change your viewpoint if you try. This joy is available to you all the time. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11 NIV). Christians have a wonderful reason to be joyful because Christ dwells in us. “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27 NIV). Even the angels long to look into these things. (1 Peter 1:12). 
    But you see so many times in our lives we let worries and problems overshadow the joy that is within us through the Lord. I urge you to give them to the Lord and ask Him to help you find the joy in each new day. During this week try reciting the first verse every morning, and pray that God will help you use this new day to bring joy to others.
 Dear Lord,
We know that our lives are precious to you and that we must view each day as a gift. Help us to be joyful each day knowing that your strength is inside us, and we can choose to be happy.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

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