Happiness

Did you know that the word rejoice is mentioned in the Bible 84 times? (Or at least that is how many times it is referenced mine). It must be a pretty significant word to be mentioned so much. 

I actually began thinking of it yesterday on my way home. I was mentally grumbling about the weather. In Arkansas, the day can change from sunny to gloomy, and back again, in a matter of hours. It was looking like one of those days, and I wasn't happy about it. I stopped myself and decided that I shouldn't let the weather ruin my day. After all, God created weather, right? He must have a reason for it. That is when I remembered one of my favorite verses from my childhood. Psalm 118: 24 "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." 

This verse spoke to me. It doesn't say "Gladness will come to me" but it says I will choose to be glad and rejoice. Notice that "be" in front of glad. Those are verbs. We must take action and make ourselves glad. With  84 references, it must be something God wants us to have, but he expects us to work for it. 

Lord we are choosing to rejoice in you and in the world you have made for us. Gently remind us of how much we have to be glad about, from all of your blessings. Give us strength to stand against and reject gloom and despair that Satan would have us give in to. We claim contentment and love in you. Thank you for all you have done for us. Praise you name for your mercy on those who don't deserve it. Amen.