How are you today? Others ask us this question all the time. In fact, we ask ourselves this question daily. For some, today may be a great day, and for others, one of difficulty. The other day my father reminded me of a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, but today is a gift, that’s why they call it ‘present.’” Everyday is truly a gift. I think the psalmist David felt that way when he said, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalms 118:24-NIV) For a few weeks now, I have pondered this verse. For those who attend church, this is often a popular quote. In fact, we often quote it like a mantra at a pep rally or say it like a chant at a ball game. We use it to encourage one another, but what does it really mean?
To me it speaks of three things, a day, a deity and a decision. First, the day it speaks of is today. David reminds us that we have been given a gift called a “day,” regardless of what our day may hold. If you are like me, you have all kinds of days. Days filled with many things like joy, sorrow, challenges, and even surprises. Yet, I am reminded that regardless what my day holds, it remains a gift. Notice he says, “This is the day.” He also speaks in the present tense. It’s a reminder that yesterday is history and tomorrow is a mystery, so let’s live in today. So many people live in the past or dream about their future, while failing to enjoy today.
Secondly, David says the day was created by a deity. He is saying the very day we are living in is no accident. It was one the “LORD has made.” David was acknowledging that there is a creator. One who made the heavens and earth. He reminds us that there is one greater than ourselves who is in control. Therefore, if he created the day, He is in control of the day. In essence, David is saying, If God made the day for me, then He is also is in control of it. He knows every detail. He knows the joy, the sorrow, the challenges and the surprises. He knows what we need because he provided the very day in which we are living. The greatest challenge for us is weather we will give up our control. We create so much stress in our day because we fail to give up the control of it. It is a day provided by our God for a purpose. So, seek to thank God for your day, and determine to find His purpose in it.
Lastly, David tells us we have to decide what we will do with each day. He says, “let us rejoice and be glad in it.” He reminds us that we have a choice in the matter. We can choose to rejoice and be glad, or we can choose to be sad and mad. It’s up to us. God created us with a free will and the choice is ours. We all know this is easier said than done, but the key is found in David’s recognition of God. If we really believe there is a God, and that He created the day were living in, and that He really is in control, then the only choice we should make is to “rejoice and be glad”! Wow, what freedom to know that, despite our circumstances, there is reason to rejoice and be glad. So, I hope the next time you hear this quoted or, are struggling with your day, you will find comfort in this verse. Today if you hear His voice, rejoice and be glad, for this is truly the day he has made!
Pastor Craig Carter
North Kent Community Church
1480 Indian Lakes Rd. NE
Sparta, MI 49345
