God answers prayer! Saturday, April 29, 2006, was a beautiful, bright spring day in the Washington metropolitan area. The flowers in a glorious array of color were swaying in the gentle breeze in the courtyard. One could not wish to be surrounded with more of the splendor of nature. It was the long awaited day we had longed to see for 4 years and 8 months. Many friends joined us from Indiana, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, California, Maryland, Virginia, and England to celebrate the faithfulness of God at the service of dedication of The Prayer Center. It was indeed a day of rejoicing!

“This is the day the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118: 24 (NIV)

Are there days in which you find it a challenge to rejoice? Head knowledge dictates that each day we are alive is a gift from our Creator God and there is never a guarantee that we will have another day in our lives. However, have you noticed there is always a temptation to look for tomorrow? In this process we begin to falsely presume the future will satisfy our needs with the assurance of security, peace, provision, and perhaps even freedom from the enchantment of this world.

As we grow deeper in our relationship with God in prayer, we can learn to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and enjoy the benefits of peace and joy that come from abiding in Christ each new day.

“This is the day the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118: 24 (NIV)

Psalm 118 gives us reminders on how to rejoice in each day the Lord gives us:

(a) Be constantly aware of the goodness of God.
(b) Be filled with thanks not simply because of circumstances, but on account of the very presence of God in your life.
(c) Be prepared to receive God’s unchanging love in your daily living.
(d) Be sensitive to the gifts of salvation, sustenance, and strength from God.
(e) Be willing to submit yourself entirely to the sovereignty of God daily.

Keep this prescription on hand for times when you face the challenge of not being quick to rejoice in each day the Lord has given you. Also keep in mind each new day is an opportunity to experience the fullness of God’s presence.