Rejoice IN Today!
“This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
Oh, how I love prepositions! As a grammar geek, I love all parts of speech. But I love prepositions best! These little words—there are over 100 of them—are the most fun and easy to teach. In the box, out of the box, on top of the box, in front of the box, next to the box, behind the box. Kids can physically experience prepositions!
However, I don’t like the teeny, tiny preposition found in the verse above. IN. God calls us to rejoice in the day that He has made … and be glad IN it.
Be glad in this day? Arrrrr! Really? Have you seen my to-do list? Do realize work deadlines are approaching? Have you any clue the dozens of loads of laundry that need to be washed, dried, folded, and put away?
I’ll rejoice after this day. When it’s all over. When I’ve moved beyond it. Around it. Past it. When I’m through this day.
But that’s not what God commands. His desire is for us to rejoice in this day. Not look behind to yesterday; not look forward to tomorrow. Why? Why is God so concerned with this day?
Because He’s in today. He’s with us today.
- “The LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV)
- “The LORD himself … will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV)
- “I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5, NIV)
- “ ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel ‘—which means, ‘God with us.’ ” (Matthew 1:23, NIV)
- “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ ” (Hebrews 13:5, NIV)
One little word has a big impact. IN. God is not only in you, He is also with you. Whatever kind of day you are having “this day,” God is in it with you!
The Israelites were in slavery. God was there.
Daniel was in the lions’ den. God was there.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in a fiery furnace. God was there.
Jonah was in the belly of a big fish. God was there.
Paul and Silas were in jail. God was there.
Whatever you are in, rejoice and be glad, for God is in it, too! He’s with you “this day” … and every day!
Welcome to my site about my life as a writer, editor, speaker, and consultant. I love God and my family, and my goal is to help and encourage others along the journey. 
Wow! Definitely needed this today as I’m doing laundry, cleaning house, yada yada yada! Thanks for sharing the insight God is giving you with me!
Nikki, you are one person that is always joyful no matter the circumstances! I want to be more like you because you are like Christ!
I loved how you unpacked all the richness in this verse, Christi. I’m diving into my day — knowing God is in it too!
I love how you unpacked the richness in this verse. I’m diving into my day — knowing God is in it too!
I love that image–diving in! Reminds me of Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Dive”–it was one of my favorites!
Christi~ And yet, another home-run with this post. Love it. It seems that whatever you write is what I need to read. Thank you!
Thank you, my friend!
Oh you already know how much I LOVE this!!! I am so grateful to God that I finally stopped saying, “I will _____, when I _______.” Like, I will wear this when I lose 5 more pounds or I will play Barbies with the girls once I get this closet cleaned up. I am slowly learning that by letting go and just jumping in, the other stuff suddenly isn’t so important anymore. I much prefer LIVING life than managing life. I much prefer seizing today rather than waiting for tomorrow. I love living rather than waiting to live.
Thank you for the inspiration!
Rachel, you are so right…I think “I’ll be joyful tomorrow or when life is perfect or when all our bills are paid or when….” But God commands us to rejoice now!! We all have much to rejoice about!
Ok, one reason I love to come here is this — I love your passion for language. We miss too much and skip over too many words. Writing is a craft, and you have a gift my dear!
Susan, that is probably the best compliment I’ve ever received! Thank you! I appreciate you!