CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 792

“This is the Day”

Psalm 118:24 (ESV) This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

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Are you given to pining and longing for the ‘good old days’; the days where you feel you were happier, more contented and carefree?  While it is good to have fond memories of the past, dwelling upon them to the point of distraction and disengagement with the present can be a bad thing.

…this people …honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me…- Isaiah 29:13

How often are we distracted during our prayer time by fears and worries about what may happen tomorrow or in the future?  How often do we become discontented with the circumstances of today and wish things were like they used to be?

This is the day… ‘This’ deals with the here and now – our present day. As we walk with God, He desires for us to ‘have our head in the game’ as it were.  He wants us present and accounted for in this day.

…that the Lord has made; This day did not just happen by accident.  The Lord made it.  He has orchestrated it.  He has divine appointments scheduled for you.  It is true that some days are more appealing and pleasant to our flesh than others.  It is equally true that all days are days that the Lord has made and that He loves you and His plans are the best for you.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

let us rejoice…  The Psalmist is exhorting us to ‘hava nagilah’, Come! Let us rejoice. It is an exhortation that recognizes that some days are more difficult than others.  It is an exhortation that appeals to our spirit to rise above the circumstances of our flesh and allow the joy of the Lord to flow through us.  It is important that we remember that Jesus came to:

… heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; …To comfort all who mourn … To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; – Isaiah 61:1

…and be glad in it.  The Psalmist’s exhortation continues with “V’nismicha”, Be glad.  The root word in this transliterated phrase is ‘samach’ which is to give joy and give happiness. When we allow the wellspring of the joy of the Lord to freely flow through us, it in turn blesses all that we encounter during this day.  The joy and happiness of the Lord blesses us and others as we minister to them in the power of His Spirit.

But you say, ‘I am tired and weary, Lord.  I don’t know if I have the strength to face another day in my present circumstances.’  You are right.  You do not have the strength in and of yourself.  But you have all the power of the fullness of God available to you through Christ.  Begin to offer the sacrifice of praise and thank Him for His love for you.  Thank Him for all that comes to mind.  Soon, the joy of the Lord will strengthen you and equip you for this day.

…this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.  – Nehemiah 8:10