I will rejoice
Yesterday, I was completely convicted while we were visiting another local church. The preacher’s sermon was entitled “Celebrate”. Seemed simple enough.
He started off with a great story about a minister in a Honolulu bar at 3:30 in the morning throwing a birthday party for a 39 year old prostitute. It was a great story although I’m sure you’ve got your doubts.
He had some great points and I wrote them all down. I kept thinking about the ways I celebrate or express joy. I sing, I write, I shop (because he said anything that gives you pleasure should be celebrated. So there.), I exercise, I clean, I watch football.
He then went on to read a long list of verses where God encourages us to celebrate. I also wrote all those down. Until he read this one:
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
I’ve already told you about Fanny and her approach to life that this too is the day the Lord has made. And there are times when I say that to myself.
But the part I leave out is that I should rejoice in that day.
I stopped writing and just sat there. I realized that while I have been focused on being thankful for all the blessings in my life, I have not always rejoiced. And not only am I to rejoice about the good that comes from the Lord each day but also rejoice in the days when I just don’t feel like doing anything that makes me happy.
Ever had one of those days? When you just want to sit and wallow in your own sadness?
Yep, that’s me. I’m great at it.
So this is my new focus. Yes, be thankful, and I still believe this is such an important part of our life and one that most all of us ignore, but now I will rejoice.
When I miss my nephew so much I ache, I will rejoice that he has such wonderful parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles nearby that love him. And sometimes they give him a kiss for me.
When I take that first sip of a Chick-Fil-A Cookies and Cream Shake, I will rejoice. Yummmmm……
When my body is playing frustrating and confusing tricks on me, I will rejoice that I was able to get out of bed and work with no physical pain. Not everyone can.
When I find the perfect painting for our bedroom, on sale, I will rejoice as I think about the blank wall that it will fill with color and memories.
When I have to work instead of spending an afternoon with my husband, I will rejoice that he will be there for another afternoon later. Too many people have lost their husband and face every afternoon without him.
When I finally fold all the laundry and have put it away, I will rejoice that I won’t have that unaccomplished chore hanging over my head all week. I hate that feeling.
So from now on, with the Lord’s help, I will find ways to rejoice even in the things for which I have a hard time being thankful.
Yesterday, I was completely convicted while we were visiting another local church. The preacher’s sermon was entitled “Celebrate”. Seemed simple enough.
He started off with a great story about a minister in a Honolulu bar at 3:30 in the morning throwing a birthday party for a 39 year old prostitute. It was a great story although I’m sure you’ve got your doubts.
He had some great points and I wrote them all down. I kept thinking about the ways I celebrate or express joy. I sing, I write, I shop (because he said anything that gives you pleasure should be celebrated. So there.), I exercise, I clean, I watch football.
He then went on to read a long list of verses where God encourages us to celebrate. I also wrote all those down. Until he read this one:
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
I’ve already told you about Fanny and her approach to life that this too is the day the Lord has made. And there are times when I say that to myself.
But the part I leave out is that I should rejoice in that day.
I stopped writing and just sat there. I realized that while I have been focused on being thankful for all the blessings in my life, I have not always rejoiced. And not only am I to rejoice about the good that comes from the Lord each day but also rejoice in the days when I just don’t feel like doing anything that makes me happy.
Ever had one of those days? When you just want to sit and wallow in your own sadness?
Yep, that’s me. I’m great at it.
So this is my new focus. Yes, be thankful, and I still believe this is such an important part of our life and one that most all of us ignore, but now I will rejoice.
When I miss my nephew so much I ache, I will rejoice that he has such wonderful parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles nearby that love him. And sometimes they give him a kiss for me.
When I take that first sip of a Chick-Fil-A Cookies and Cream Shake, I will rejoice. Yummmmm……
When my body is playing frustrating and confusing tricks on me, I will rejoice that I was able to get out of bed and work with no physical pain. Not everyone can.
When I find the perfect painting for our bedroom, on sale, I will rejoice as I think about the blank wall that it will fill with color and memories.
When I have to work instead of spending an afternoon with my husband, I will rejoice that he will be there for another afternoon later. Too many people have lost their husband and face every afternoon without him.
When I finally fold all the laundry and have put it away, I will rejoice that I won’t have that unaccomplished chore hanging over my head all week. I hate that feeling.
So from now on, with the Lord’s help, I will find ways to rejoice even in the things for which I have a hard time being thankful.
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