Rejoicing In Each Day
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NLT
Perhaps you heard the story of Bob, who died and went to heaven. As Saint Peter was showing him around, he noticed a complaint box. “Peter!” Bob exclaimed, “Why would there be a complaint box in heaven?”
Peter replied, “Well, heaven is a place of perfect happiness … and some people just cannot be happy unless they can complain.”
Have you ever met a “church person” who is a chronic complainer? Sadly, churches seem to have chronic complainers in spades. These are the folks who are never happy. The music is too loud, the temperature is too uncomfortable, the sermon is too shallow … or too deep … or too long … or too short. Nothing ever seems right. One Sunday, I greeted a member of my church and said enthusiastically, “Good morning!”
He answered sourly, “Yeah, what’s so good about it?” Yikes! Whatever he had, I surely did not want to catch.
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
Regardless of the situation we may be facing today, one thing is for sure: God made this day, and He wants us to rejoice in it. In Psalms 118:24, a definite choice was made to rejoice. The writer says, “We will rejoice and be glad.” Rejoicing is an act of the will.
You and I can choose to rejoice and be glad, or we can choose to grumble, gripe, and complain. Choosing the latter course of action does not change the circumstances; it just sours your attitude and outlook. Choosing to rejoice, however, pleases God and lets your light for the Lord shine among men.
What are you facing today? A dead-end job … a stagnant career … financial problems … marital problems … health problems … unemployment … loneliness … the blahs? God is greater than your problems. He has a miracle with your name on it. Stop complaining and start rejoicing! You and I serve the risen Savior, who loves us, died for us, rose again for us, and promises to work all things together for good for us.
Take time right now to praise Him for this day and the challenges in it. Remember, the greater the difficulty you have, the greater the opportunity for Him to work mightily in your life. When a complaint comes to your lips, replace it with praise. You will be amazed at the difference it will make in you!
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Love, |
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Jeff Schreve is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas. He and his wife Debbie have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with three wonderful girls. Jeff began From His Heart Ministries, a radio and television ministry, in January of 2005. This ministry is completely listener/viewer supported. It continues only through the faithful and generous gifts of people like you. Pastor Jeff takes no salary from this ministry. All gifts go to further the broadcast.
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