Rev. Jim Churchwell
New Life Community Fellowship
“This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24, (NKJV)
I don’t know what sustains you and your life, but for me, it is the Word of God. Across the years, Psalm 119:105, has been and continues to be a word that has blessed my heart and life. I have encouraged many VBS students to commit this verse to their mind and in their heart. This verse reminds us of the light that is available from the Word of God.
I am speaking of the illumination of our heart and soul that is gained through regular reading of the Bible and applying this truth to the way we live.
So, what does this have to do with Psalm 118:24? Well, some of you know that I have been in Texas since last September. Our daughter, Julie, was diagnosed with cancer for a second time in December 2014. She took chemotherapy for a number of months and had to have surgery. I came out to help her sister care for Julie during this time.
This verse became the light for my heart and life. Each day was a special gift from the Lord. In the beginning, Julie was able to get out and go searching for old postcards throughout the area. She was able to enjoy eating out and I was able to avoid having to prepare meals and clean up afterwards.
Notice what is says, “This is the day the Lord has made.” We often think of the Lord’s day. A day set aside for worship and encouragement. Having a day like this can be an encouragement for individuals and families to share together. But, for many, this day is just like any other day—a time to work, shop, or engage in some recreational activities. All you have to do is just look and see how folks are living their lives.
But, if we could see that each day is a gift from God and allows us the opportunity to recognize and enjoy His relationship with us. Then we could focus on the next part. “We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Life is what we make it and we have a choice about how we are going to live it. The writer said that we are to rejoice. I have to tell you that there have been days when this was a difficult decision. As our daughter began to decline, I can tell you that this was a tough time. Some of you who are reading this know about those tough times. You understand about the stress and anxiety as you watch your love one get weaker and weaker.
But, remember the light of God’s word. In the beginning, GOD. It is God that is working in all of these days. The good and the difficult. God, who loves us and gave His Son for us, can and will enable us to rejoice.
I know, because He has enabled me to walk this journey with our daughter, Julie, and rejoice. We are not rejoicing because she has cancer and she has very little appetite, or that she is unable to get out of bed by herself. We are rejoicing because of God and His promises. We are rejoicing because this isn’t all there is to life.
Jesus came to give us life, abundantly. Not a life free from pain and suffering, but real life in the midst of the storms of life. He came to give us eternal life.
Early Sunday morning, June 26, Julie entered into the place prepared by Jesus for her. Read it in John’s gospel, chapter 14. Here is more light from God’s word. Light that will illuminate the darkness moment of any day.
That morning, the word came to my heart, “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Julie’s faith was in Jesus. He was and is her joy. Her faith is a blessing to all who knew her.
My prayer is that you can take this word to heart and believe like Julie that Jesus can and will help you rejoice each day.
On a personal note, we thank you for your prayers, cards, and phone calls during this time. For those of you who sent the postcards, only time and eternity will bear witness to their far reaching effects. Bless you all in Jesus’ name.
So, in the words of my very special friend, Jeff, “some day, I will be back on that side of the Mississippi River, Lord willing.” Until then, the Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Amen.
