Rejoice and be glad

Somedays my feminine side takes over and I have a pressing need to rearrange the furniture or, as happened today, rearrange my blog site.  WordPress makes it very simple to change a format and present a new look.

Deep within the category of “pages” which don’t get much attention was something I had created several years ago – a collection of verses which urge us to rejoice and a beautiful, African-American spiritual rendition titled ‘I Will Rejoice’.  Click on the link above in the pages menu.

Do we have much over which to rejoice in today’s society?  Our people are severely divided by politics and issues of social injustice.  Income inequity finds the most vulnerable of the poor living in conditions of poverty and hunger.  Homelessness has become a national disgrace within a country of unfathomable, immense wealth.

Did I create a gratitude list this morning when I arose?  Hurricane Michael spared my part of Florida but other folks further north got nailed.  Is that something for which to be grateful?  They suffered great losses while I sit here tonight, house intact and dry, typing out a post on WordPress.  Where’s the justice?

“This is the day which the Lord has made;  we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalms 118:24

That verse doesn’t put a qualifier or conditions on my rejoicing, does it?  Whatever befalls me, I will rejoice.  Whatever happens to my material possessions, I will rejoice.  Whatever personal discomfort I face, I will rejoice.

Why?  Because my Lord has made this day for me to go forth living boldly and faithfully in His goodness and mercy.  No time for despairing over physical ailments or financial losses.  No room for pity parties to which I am the only one invited.  When was the last time anyone other than you showed up at your pity party?

Today is my Lord’s day made especially for me.  I will rejoice and be glad.