Reasons to Rejoice

This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 (NASB)

The year 2020 was without a doubt a year unlike any year most of us have ever lived through.  Even if we have been personally unaffected by the devastating effects connected to the COVID pandemic – death of a loved one, loss of job/ income, etc. – we nonetheless have been affected by its effects on the world around us. For even the most seasoned believers, our faith has been shaken from time to time.

In light of the past year, how should a believer approach 2021?  Simply put, we need a reset. Someone once said, “All faith failures are a result of broken focus.” In 2020 we certainly had many opportunities to experience the truth of that statement.  We need to “on-purpose” (because we probably don’t really feel like doing it) return our focus to the Truth of the Word of God.  A great starting point is with the scripture above. Taking time to focus on the richness of this scripture will help us get our focus back on track:

We start with the truth that God made the day.  So, what exactly is in a day that God has made?

His Presence: Isaiah 43:2 (GNT) “When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you.”  Troubles will come, but with them, the assurance that we are not alone and will come out victorious.

His Power:  Numbers 11:23 (GWT) The LORD asked Moses, “Is there a limit to the LORD’s power? Now you will see whether or not my words come true.” The power of the Creator of everything that exists is available to us.

His Promises: 2 Corinthians 1:20 (TPT) “²⁰ For all of God’s promises find their ‘yes’ of fulfillment in him {Christ}. And as his “yes” and our “amen” ascend to God, we bring him glory!” Whatever the promise, it is meant for us and, with that promise manifested the glory of the Lord will be seen by those around us.

His Provision: Philippians 4:19 (AMPC) “¹⁹ And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” God’s supply for us is without measure.

His Protection: Psalm 91: 1,2 (TPT) “When you sit enthroned under the shadow of Shaddai, you are hidden in the strength of God Most High. He’s the hope that holds me and the Stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence.” As we become confident of His protection, fear loses its hold and the roots of our faith grow deeper within us.

His Purpose: Jeremiah 29:11 (AMPC) “¹¹ For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” God looks at us and smiles, because He sees the future He has planned for each one of us.

When we genuinely choose to focus on what is in the day the Lord has made – other things begin to fade to the background. The challenges don’t go away, but the heaviness they can bring begins to lessen. There is one word that sums up all that is in a day the Lord has made and that is GRACE.  It is given to us one day at a time. When we determine to focus on God’s GRACE, His provision – spirit, soul, and body – that is made available to us each new day, our response will surely become to “rejoice and be glad in it!”

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