Daily Devotionals

Thankful Every Day!

Posted in Gratitude/Thankfulness

Scripture: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

 

This was one of my mother’s favorite scriptures. Upon her passing, I inherited her Bible. This passage is underlined, highlighted, circled, and with a handwritten reminder in the margin, “SAY THIS EVERY DAY!”  

 

Even through her multi-year battle with metastatic cancer, she would recite this verse daily. I heard it so much as a child that, as an adult, I painted this verse on a canvas to hang in my home. It serves as such a great reminder to me to be thankful for EACH day. 

 

But is it possible and reasonable to ask us to rejoice and be glad always? The answer must be yes because the Bible says that it is God’s will for us. Choosing to rejoice and be glad is a conscious decision that we must make. However, if you are like me, there are times when you really struggle to rejoice and be glad due to circumstances. Illness, loss, daunting schedules, difficult work days, frustrating teenagers…. the list can be long. Even then, it is possible for us to look for the blessings in the trials. 

 

The more we commit to believing and remembering his love and provision, the less influence this temporary world will have over our lives. Instead, we will be able to live more often like the writer of Psalm 118, rejoicing in God’s deliverance and faithfulness, and being happy with the day that he has made. Jesus says that we have only this one day, and we must not be anxious for the next. 

 

This Lenten season, I am challenging myself to remember that each day is a rich and precious gift from God, with new grace and new opportunities. Won’t you join me?

 

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you that every single day is a day that you have made. Help us to rejoice and be glad for your enduring love, your deliverance from sin and death, your constant protection and care, and your gift of eternal life in Christ. Amen. 

 

Submitted by Carmen Atkins