Pathways Press.com

MEDITATION:

Written by Debbie McDaniel, a contemporary Christian author

Many of us may have heard Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” over long years. But what’s interesting to know is that it’s set right within a Psalm where the author is writing about huge adversity. It’s not written about when times are good, but when times are hard. Situations were changing. The Psalmist cried out to God in anguish, he was surrounded on all sides by the enemy, he felt pushed back, and about to fall. Yet right in the midst of huge struggles shared, this chapter both starts and ends with the same verse, of giving thanks and praise unto God. Such a powerful reminder to us: True joy is never dependent on our circumstances. We can still choose to give thanks. We can still believe in God’s goodness and love, for that’s what carries us through all difficult seasons. We might be facing the toughest of times, but the truth is this, He’s still given us today. He’s with us and will never leave or fail us. His love covers us, His peace sustains us, and His joy gives us the strength to face every trial and obstacle with courage and grace. We can rest in the security that Truth brings. May His blessings overwhelm you today as you look to Him and choose joy.

PRAYER:

From “The Valley of Vision — a book of Puritan Prayer.”

It is your duty and privilege to rejoice in God: He requires it of you for all his favors of grace. Rejoice then in the Giver and his goodness, be happy in him, O my heart, and in nothing but God, for whatever a man trusts in, from that he expects happiness. He who is the ground of your faith should be the substance of your joy. Where then comes heaviness and dejection, when joy is sown in you: promised by the Father, bestowed by the Son, in wrought by the Holy Spirit, yours by grace, your birthright in believing?

Are you seeking to rejoice in yourself from an evil motive of pride and self-reputation? You have nothing of your own but sin, nothing to move God to be gracious or to continue his grace towards you. If you forget this, you will lose your joy.

Are you grieving under a sense of indwelling sin? Let godly sorrow work repentance, as the true spirit which the Lord blesses, and which creates fullest joy; Sorrow for self opens rejoicing in God, Self-loathing draws down divine delights.

Hast thou sought joys in some creature comfort? Look not below God for happiness; fall not asleep in Delilah’s lap. Let God be all in all to thee, and joy in the fountain that is always full.