THE CHOICE TO REJOICE
"This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118: 24
Perhaps you heard the story of Bob who died and went to heaven. As Saint Peter was showing him around, Bob noticed a “complaint box.”
“Peter!” Bob exclaimed, “Why would there be a complaint box in heaven?”
Peter replied, “Well, heaven is a place of perfect happiness… and some people just cannot be happy unless they can complain.”
Have you ever met someone who is a chronic complainer? Sadly, churches seem to have them in spades. These are the folks who are never happy. The music is too loud, the temperature is too uncomfortable, the sermon is too shallow or too deep or too long or too short. Nothing ever seems quite right.
One Sunday, I greeted a member of my church and said enthusiastically, “Good morning!”
He answered sourly, “Yeah, what’s so good about it?”
Yikes! Whatever he had, I certainly did not want to catch.
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
Regardless of the situation we may be facing today, one thing is for sure: God made this day, and He wants us to rejoice in it. In Psalm 118:24, a definite choice was made to rejoice. The writer says, “We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Rejoicing is an act of the will, and it is not dependent on favorable situations.
You and I can choose to rejoice and be glad, or we can choose to grumble, gripe, and complain. Choosing the latter course of action does not change the circumstances, it just sours your attitude and outlook. Choosing to rejoice, however, pleases God and lets your light for the Lord shine among men.
What are you facing today? A dead-end job… a stagnant career… financial problems… marital problems… health problems… unemployment… loneliness… a severe case of the blahs? God is greater than your problems! He has a miracle with your name on it. So, stop complaining and start rejoicing! You and I serve a RISEN Savior who loves us, died and rose again for us, and promises to work all things together for good for us.
Take time right now to praise Him for this day--the blessings and challenges that are found in it. Remember, the greater the difficulty you have, the greater the opportunity for Him to work powerfully in your life. When a complaint comes to your lips, replace it with praise. You will be amazed at the difference it will make in you.
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
Dr. Jeff Schreve believes that no matter how badly you may have messed up in life, God still loves you and has a wonderful plan just for you. From His Heart provides real truth, love and hope on over 700 radio stations each day, in 182 countries each week on TV, and is always available online. Pastor Jeff takes no income from this ministry. All donations go to furthering the broadcast outreach. As a listener/viewer supported ministry, we thank you for joining with us to help speak the truth in love to a lost and hurting world. Go to www.fromhisheart.org for more information.
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