This morning I awoke to a new light of a new day. I sensed that no matter what lie ahead, there was hope and the promise that God was with me.
Still quite early, I drove north along the Hood Canal as the sun began to peep over the hills and then flood the blue waters with the clear sky above. My heart sang, “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24).
When I lived in Tucson, Arizona, I attended a church where every Sunday morning, yes, EVERY Sunday morning at the beginning of worship, we would begin as a group with the words, “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” It seemed to brighten even the saddest heart and faces would light up as we looked at each other!
Yesterday, I was learning about music of the early 16th century. William Byrd wrote a small motet entitled, “Haec Dies” for the Catholic mass of the day. The piece was based upon the words from Psalm 118, “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” The words have carried people through the good and bad times for centuries!
Whether we feel on top of the world, or feel depressed, we can begin the day with these words of hope and encouragement: “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” God is present. Do not be afraid!
Prayer: O God of hope, help me to remember to begin each day with the words, “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” Amen