Yesterday was my birthday. It was a very good birthday (in comparison to many of the others that I have had):
- I had the day off from work
- I was able to sleep in (both because I was off of work AND because my body actually let me!)
- I laughed and enjoyed the company of good friends
- I was the recipient of wonderful cards, gifts and lovely digital messages from friends and family all through the day
- I had a 90 minute massage that was scheduled and paid for by my new boss
- I had a scrumptious dinner and a wonderful visiting time with my husband and sons
Those are just the highlights from my special day. I was truly blessed indeed!
But, in the midst of all that fun, came frequent mental reminders of all that I had on my plate to do…at my very demanding job, at my neglected home, with my new duties at church, etc. It was hard to relax and enjoy my day when those reminders crept into my conscious thought. Even now, as I type these words, my stomach is getting a little tense at the thought of the many tasks waiting for me complete.
But, what does God’s word say about this?
This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24 (NLT)
That is the bible verse that jumped into my head, reminding me to take each day and truly value it because the Lord has given me that moment and it’s all I can (or need to) deal with.
When I looked that verse up on Biblegateway.com to find out just exactly which verse from Psalms it was (I’m not so good at memorizing chapter and verse), I saw there the before and after verses as well. They were words I needed to hear:
23 This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is wonderful to see.
24 This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Please, Lord, please save us.
Please, Lord, please give us success. – Psalm 118:23-25 (NLT)
Yes, I know that all of the blessings that I have are from the Lord. But, the reminder that He set aside my “calm in the storm” day yesterday helped me be OK with it. Sometimes we just need a break. The work will still be there for us when we’re done. That can be a bad thing when you think about it…(aiy aiy aiy…all that work will never get done if I take time off!) or…it can be a good thing (don’t worry, the work will still be there when you come back…enjoy today for He has made it just for you!).
And the last verse reminds me from whence my help comes. The Lord will save me and He will give me success. Yes, I have a mountain of things to do. Yes, it makes my stomach churn in worry. But, I am not alone in this stress. My Lord and Savior is right here with me. He won’t let me fall (unless it will help me grow in my walk with Him). He’s got it all under control. I need to stop looking at the things I have to do and instead turn my eyes to Him who gave me all that I have.
The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. – Psalm 28:7 (NLT)
Dear Lord – thank you for giving me moments of joy! Thank you for filling me with your confidence and strength when I am unsure of my own abilities. Thank you for the blessings of family, friends, employment, health, enthusiasm, joy, peace and strength in you. Please help me focus on what is important to you today. Help me remember that you have put me here on earth for a reason. If I am seeking your guidance and following your road map then I will succeed. It may not be what I see as success, but it will be what YOU have planned for me. I am so very grateful for the beautiful day you gave me yesterday. It is nestled in my heart and shines with joy as I head into my day today. I love you so very much! Amen.
Blessings and peace,
Leah
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