For January 16th

“This is the day that the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118;24

Several years ago the pastor of the church we were attending shared a wonderful discipline in his sermon. He suggested that every morning, as soon as your mind is aware that you are awake, before opening your eyes, before your mind has a chance to think of anything else, to turn your heart and mind immediately towards God. He said to intentionally and immediately upon awaking quote, sing or pray the above Psalm, changing the words let us to I or let me, “This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” No matter how you are feeling, no matter what horrible struggles you may be facing, no matter what the days plans might be.  He preached to, “Start your day thanking God for it, acknowledging that He created this day, that He is in charge of this day and that you are not going to start this day off by worrying, controlling, or complaining, but by praising Him for it. God wants us to let Him be charge and to let Him know we know it”. WOW! What an awesome message. AND on the days I have actually put it into practice, it has made such a difference in my peace, outlook, demeanor, joy, and ability to handle the pressures of that day. God is so good!

Jane Newman