This is the day

Recently I had the opportunity to speak at Lighthouse Christian Camp located on Lake Ontario. The camp is known for its breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.  On the day I was scheduled to speak, I was up early and sitting on the shore watching the sunrise.  As I saw the sun breaking into the dark sky, I was reminded of Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Such a commanding reminder that true joy looks well beyond our circumstances. The problem is, even though we may know this in our head, there are times when this seems like an unrealistic cliché.  The start of a new day reminds us that God specializes in bringing light into dark places. 

Learning to personally choose  joy in hard times takes effort and action on our part; it requires our appreciation for His work in us.  We might be facing the toughest of times right now, but the truth is this: Jesus came to give us hope and freedom.  He’s the very reason we can live with joy right in the battles.  He gives us the strength to face every trial and obstacle with confidence and grace.

Each new day also gives us the opportunity to engage the dimness around us with a desire to be part of His work in the new day.  God blesses and entrusts each of us with influence, talent, resources and spiritual gifts to glorify Him and build His Kingdom.  To be the hands of Jesus to lighten up the places we are in.
All around us are people in need of encouragement.  It could be the gift of a simple note or a kind word.  Perhaps just the time it takes to be a listening ear.  Whatever you possess — materially or emotionally — determine to be a person who regularly and cheerfully shares what God has provided and be part of the movement that creation has embraced to brighten each day.

Click here to hear Mac’s message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOf0S9tWaNk Mac begins speaking at 32:30

Article by Steven “Mac” Macaluso

Regional Representative, FMF Financial Services