Choose to Rejoice

Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

My grandpa sent me a message last week based on Psalm 118, above. While I often looked at this verse as a great way to celebrate the greatness of God, this message pointed out a crucial part of the verse: it is a choice. Some translations say, “We will rejoice” while others read, “Let us rejoice.” No matter which translation you choose, there is a choice to rejoice. Every day we must choose to rejoice and be glad in it.

I actually stood on top of a mountain yesterday. That was a gift and experience I was thankful to enjoy with some of my friends. You bet I was rejoicing, pausing, and taking in the views, but we don’t need to be on top of a mountain to appreciate the day.

The simple act of breathing is a gift that I take for granted every morning. The fact that I have food in my kitchen, a hot shower, and an amazing family and group of friends is worth rejoicing. Every morning at 7 am, I have an alert of my phone that flashes, “ENJOY” as a reminder for me to enjoy the day. That one word on my phone and my monitor during the workday helps put me in the mindset to enjoy what is in front of me today. 

Today you can make the choice to appreciate your car starting in the morning, having a job that pays the bills, or an education that many people can’t receive. You have the choice to be happy and thankful or be negative and condescending. 

Tim Tebow’s book, This is the Day, is based on Psalm 118. Below is an excerpt from that book that I hope encourages you to choose to rejoice in the day the Lord has made. 

“This is the day you can see what God sees.

This is the day you can overcome a bad habit or a character flaw.

This is the day that can bring you a step closer to your dreams and goals.

This is the day you can fight for what’s right.

This is the day you can change someone’s life for the better.

This is the day you can change your own life.

Life isn’t just about one day. It’s about this day.”

What can you rejoice about today? The choice is yours.

I appreciate you.

-JP