My great-grandmother’s favorite Bible verse was Psalm 118:24. Although I never had the opportunity of meeting her, she comes to my mind every time I read these sweet words: “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” The words that my great-grandmother treasured all her life and the simple lyrics I once sang from a children’s CD in Sunday School ring true in my heart today more than ever. With my move to college less than 2 weeks away, I consider how I spend my days at home.
Here are 3 simple truths proving the significance of rejoicing in today:
1. Time draws nigh; we do not have forever.
A mountain of college supplies reminds me that I will soon spend most of my days and nights in a dorm room. As this day quickly approaches, I strive to live intentionally during the limited time I have in my hometown before college hits me like a whirlwind. We do not have forever, so we must rejoice and be glad in the time we are given. The Earth is a campsite and we pitch a tent here temporarily. Our hearts long for more than what this world has to offer. C.S. Lewis says that “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”
2. We posses the potential to impact others.
Faces flash across my mind as I remember all those who impacted my life for the better. They went out of their way and made the most of their day to touch my life, and for these wonderful people, I am forever thankful. We all have this divine opportunity to significantly affect those around us, no matter how small the action. Hebrews 3:13 instructs us to “Encourage one another as long as it is called ‘today’…” Use your day to make someone else’s brighter.
3. The Day is coming!
Ultimately, we should live every day to its fullest as we await our Savior’s Second Coming. Live life today as if Christ will come tomorrow. Jesus frequently reminded His disciples of His Return and warned them to be ready for the hour is near. As this day draws closer, seek to serve Him more each day.
When I was younger, I quickly changed the station whenever Carrie Underwood’s “Temporary Home” began playing on the radio because of the raw emotion in the poignant lyrics. Sitting on a church pew as a little girl, the song moved me, and even today, tears streamed down my face as I watched the emotion-ridden music video. As I see the heart-wrenching scenes play out in this music video, I remember that we are but pilgrims in a foreign land. Seeing this reminds me to live every day to the utmost and rejoice in each 24-hour period we are given.
Instead of counting the days, make the days count. Choose to truly live rather than merely exist. Savor time instead of squandering it, make the most of every moment, and never wait until tomorrow to do what is here today. Utilize the present as your gift to the world.
Because this is the day that He has made, let us rejoice and be glad.