This is the day the Lord has made | Choose joy today.

Not every morning feels like a reason to rejoice. Some days we wake up tired, burdened, and uncertain about the battles ahead. Yet the Word of God reminds us that joy is not rooted in circumstances but in His presence. In Psalm 118:24 it is written: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Notice how the verse does not say, “This is one of many days,” but specifically declares that today is God’s creation. Every breath, every sunrise, every new chance to live is a divine gift placed directly into our hands. Life often tempts us to measure our joy by what happens to us. A good report brings gladness, but a setback steals our peace. Yet Jesus gives us a different perspective. In John 10:10 He said: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” The enemy knows that if he can steal your joy, he can weaken your faith. If he can kill your hope, he can paralyze your walk with God. If he can destroy your peace, he can trap you in fear. But Jesus came to restore what the enemy tries to take. He came to give abundant life—a life marked by joy, peace, and purpose, even in the face of trials. Maybe right now you are walking through hardship. Perhaps you carry the weight of sickness, financial struggles, broken relationships, or hidden battles in your mind such as fear, depression, or anxiety. These moments are real, and they hurt. Yet the Word of God gives us hope. In Isaiah 40:31 it is written: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” This is God’s promise to you: He renews your strength when you place your hope in Him. He lifts you higher than your circumstances. He carries you when your legs can’t walk another step. He restores courage when fear has drained it away. With Him, you are not only able to survive life’s storms—you are able to rise above them. You may think no one understands the details of your battle, but the Lord knows every burden. In Jeremiah 29:11 He declares: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Even when the road ahead is uncertain, God’s plans for you remain steady. Even when life feels broken, His purpose for your life is still intact. So rejoice today—not because everything is perfect, but because you have a perfect God. Rejoice not because you know all the answers, but because you know the One who holds them. Rejoice because the Lord has already gone ahead of you, preparing the way, shaping your steps, and writing a story of redemption. Maybe today you feel too weary to rejoice. The pain may seem unbearable, the weight too heavy. But find just one reason today to praise. Maybe it’s the fact that you woke up with breath in your lungs. Maybe it’s the assurance that God will never leave you nor forsake you. Maybe it’s the truth that His mercies are new every morning. Even in the darkest valleys, there is always a reason to worship. As you choose to rejoice in the small things, joy will begin to grow. Gratitude shifts your perspective, faith rises in your heart, and you will discover that no matter what comes your way, you can face it with confidence. For truly, this is the day the Lord has made. So step into this day with gladness. Speak life into your heart. Pray with thanksgiving. Worship even when it hurts. Declare God’s promises over your life and over your family. Refuse to let the enemy steal your song. Refuse to let your circumstances dictate your joy. Instead, anchor yourself in the unchanging truth: God is good, God is faithful, and God is with you. Yes, life will bring both sunshine and storms. But in both, you have reason to rejoice. Sunshine reminds you of God’s blessings, and storms remind you of His power to sustain you. Either way, you are never abandoned. So today, choose joy. Choose to rejoice. Choose to declare with all your heart: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” May this prayer uplift your spirit, strengthen your faith, and remind you that your joy is safe in Christ Jesus. If this prayer touched your heart, comment “Amen” as a sign of faith, and share this message to bless someone who needs encouragement today.