Don’t Forget to Rejoice

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Do I view this as a commandment? Do I live this as a commandment? Do I teach this as a commandment? The Lord has made this day and every day so that I might be alive. And if I am going to live, what shall I do with the time I have on this earth?

I could lament. There are many things in this world that are worthy of tears. There is pain and suffering in this world.

I could ignore. I could go about my earthly life working, traveling, buying things, and enjoying the pleasures of the world.

I could consider myself to be my own purpose. I could work hard to learn, to develop my talents, to earn money in order to gain fame and fortune.

Or if I view this verse as a commandment, as a call to action, perhaps I begin to understand. I have received a gift. When I focus on what Jesus teaches me, then I learn where to see a path and rejoice in where it leads me.

Jesus says the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind". He follows this with "love your neighbor as yourself" and that all other commandments are based on these two.

I can begin each day praying that I see the needs of others and rejoice when I am able to help. I can look for what is good in God’s creation and be glad in it.

I can celebrate, hug, and dance. I can laugh, love, and share. How else does one show gratitude for the gifts we receive?

I can share my talents instead of hoarding them. I can be present for those who have a need. And once I have started doing this, others will have a space to rejoice and be glad as well.

Each and every day that I am in this kingdom that God has made, I have the privilege of choosing how I perceive and react to what is in my life.

Dear Lord in heaven above and in my heart, guide me in seeing the joy that I can bring to those who need help. Guide me to see where my gifts can be shared. And always help me to remember to be grateful for all that You have provided and rejoice in Your glory, Amen.

This devotional was written by Jill Pope and read by Susan Daves.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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