• Young Anthony was ending his prayers before leaving for school. "And, finally God, thank You for this beautiful day that You have given us. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
• "But, Anthony," protested his mother, "this is not going to be a beautiful day. There are large thunderstorms approaching."
• "I know, Mom," replied Anthony. "Never judge a day by its weather," he said as he ran out the door.
• The Psalmist proclaimed, "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!"
• Sometimes when we get half way through a day we feel that there is nothing to rejoice about or to be thankful for. Our problems mount and their solutions evade us. Our plans are interrupted by meaningless demands that make no sense at all. Our decisions seem to be wrong no matter how hard we tried to get them right. Our sorrow overwhelms us and our guilt appears beyond His forgiveness. What then? Rejoice? Makes no sense to most people.
• But according to the Psalmist, that's the thing to do. When we read the Psalms carefully and allow God to speak to us clearly, we will discover that they were open and honest with God about their difficulties. And when they spoke to God sincerely, by the time they came to the close of their prayers they ended in giving Him praise. Tell God the facts. He wants to help!
• Prayer: Thank You, God, for always being with us in all of our difficulties. Help us to hear Your voice and to accept Your grace as a solution to our problems. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
• Scripture for Today: Psalm 118:24-28 24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25 O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. 27 The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
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