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Faith for Today



            “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). 
            Chances are that you, or someone that you know, owns something (a picture, a plaque, a bookmark) with that verse inscribed on it, because, for centuries, it has inspired people to live their life differently.  By breaking it down into its component parts, we will see more clearly the truth that it teaches.
            “This is the day”.  It is tempting to dwell on the past wishing that we could relive or redo some aspect of it, but it is gone!  Similarly, it is easy to get caught up in fretting about what might happen in the future.  However, if anything is going to get done, it must be done “today”.  “This is the day” is an important phrase because it reminds us that this is the only day that we have.  The past is gone and the future is still a mystery, but “this day” you can make a difference.  What are you going to do with “this day”?
            “That the Lord has made”.  Do you believe that?  Do you believe that God has placed you here, in these circumstances, for a reason?  Unfortunately, most people think that their life and circumstances are just random events and that the things that happen are the result of good or bad luck.  But what if God has you right here, right now, for a reason?  What if it is true that God has “determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live”? (Acts 17:26)  Would that cause you to see your circumstances differently?  Would it cause you to live with more purpose?  Assuming that the Lord has made this day and all that is in it, leads me to ask, “What does God want me to do or learn here?” and that is always a great question.
            “Let us rejoice and be glad in it”.  Some days will be good, others will not be, but the overall tone of my life is to be one of “rejoicing” and “gladness”.  That leads me to ask: “Would people use those two words to describe you?”  If not, then something needs to change!  Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!”  That is a command, not a suggestion.  If I believe that God has given me this day, then I must also look for the good in it.  I must find something about which to be glad.
            Too many times, we act as if faith has nothing to do with everyday life, but that is not true.  We need a faith that changes not only our eternal destination, but also the way that we deal with things here.
            “This is the day…” is a good place to start.

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