Be Glad Today!

My day went by quickly considering I didn’t think it was going to be that busy. After my weekly Chiropractor appointment, I had an afternoon appointment and then a conference call and then some work on my new position that took longer than I anticipated. So, I didn’t get in the workout I planned, but the dog still got in his walk.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… I was in trouble, so I called to the Lord. The Lord answered me and set me free.  I will not be afraid, because the Lord is with me.The Lord gives me strength and a song.This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad today! Psalm 118:5,6,14,24 NCV

As I read through Psalm 118, I saw these verses as the answer to the question, “How did you make it during your health crisis?”  The simple yet profound words of the psalmist summarize the progression, “I was in trouble….I called…the Lord answered…” 

That may sound simple and easy, but the road can still be long, difficult and challenging. There can be days in a crisis when fear begins to set in; but we see the Lord’s presence and love drives out fear. I John 4:18 tells us, There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” We know and have confidence that the Lord’s love is perfect and so we don’t need to be afraid.

Next I noticed that the strength the Lord gives also comes with a song.  When I think of strength that is needed for a difficult task, I don’t think of singing. I think of effort and groaning and fatigue and pushing myself forward. But when we are “yoked with Jesus” we do find that strength He gives lightens our burden and…He places a song in our hearts. This “song” from the Lord is a testimony to the Lord’s faithfulness and love.

“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.”  (Psalm 40:3 NLT)

I also like the practicality of the psalmist as He gives thanks to the Lord for his victory. He says, “The Lord has taught me a hard lesson, but he did not let me die.” (Psa. 118:18 NCV) When you are told, “you are lucky to be alive” and you realize the how things, “could have been” you want to make sure that  you don’t miss the opportunity to learn some important lessons. When you are on your back and tied to a bed by tubes and paralysis, you might as well try to make the most of it. “Life threatening experiences” should be “life changing experiences.”

The best way to approach life regardless of the challenges that come our way or the situation in which we may find ourselves, is to take one day at a time. That is why I like the wording of the New Century Version of verse 24. “…let us rejoice and be glad today!That is all you can do.

If we weren’t glad yesterday, you are too late. You can’t be glad for the next day that hasn’t come. Jesus told His disciples, “…don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries….” (Matt. 6:34) That means you might as well be glad today, and make the most of it and “Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever.” (Psalm 118:24)