Listen

Let heaven celebrate! Let the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it roar! Let the countryside and everything in it celebrate! Then all the trees of the forest too will shout out joyfully before the Lord because he is coming! He is coming to establish justice on the earth! He will establish justice in the world rightly. He will establish justice among all people fairly.

Psalm 96:11-13

Think

Every day brings its own challenges, and today is no exception. Amid our responsibilities, worries, and the fast pace of life, we may forget the importance of celebrating and giving thanks with joy for all that God has done.

The psalmist shares how all of creation celebrates and rejoices in God’s presence. So, if the trees of the forest and the waves of the sea show joy before God, how much more should we, who have experienced God’s love, grace, and salvation? Along with creation, you and I have experienced God’s faithfulness, mercy, and care.

There is a song that says, “I am trading my problems and anxieties for the joy of the Lord.” How would today be different if you focused on your blessings instead of your difficulties? Paul thought about this and declared in Philippians, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Luis F. Campos

Question to Ponder:

What motivates you to rejoice and give thanks to God in the midst of your current circumstances?

Pray

God, help me to be joyful with what I have and to celebrate your works no matter what my circumstances may be, thus affirming your faithfulness every day. Amen.

Go

Make sure that everything you do, everything you say, and everything you think honors God and reflects God’s glory.