This Is the Day That the Lord Hath Made

Guest Post by Author Kelly L. Hartley

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice

and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24 (KJV)

After a major surgery that had not gone well, I lay in the hospital for weeks, mostly unconscious. At times, my eyes would open, and I’d have a lucid moment through the pain, fog, and weakness. Just one moment in time would register, whether it was someone standing there, talking to me or talking to someone else; or in the semi-darkness of a nighttime hospital room when my brain would see people lying on boxes in an abandoned schoolhouse, the remnants of the same dream I replayed many times; or my oldest daughter at the end of the bed, overflowing with anxiety, her leg bouncing no less than 120 times a minute.

I didn’t understand, at the time, what was happening to me, just that I struggled with coming back around. But I did understand that I had to fight for recovery, no matter my desire. During these times of awakening, I would look out the window, or at the clock, and sing, as strongly as I could, one of two songs: “This Is the Day That the Lord Hath Made” or “Rejoice in the Lord Always.” At first, I’d only make it a couple of words, but with time, I had the ability to add more words, more lines, before I’d pass out again. These two songs gave me the will to live and kept me going because of my focus on God instead of my situation.

Have you ever had to struggle with accepting that another dark day has come? Not knowing if you were going to make it through the turmoil that was eating through your life? I was able to overcome the darkness by appreciating that God has created this day and He wanted me in it. By singing the songs, I acknowledged His will and allowed Him to lead me through it, come what may. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Let go and let God.” It works. An easy way to start letting go is by praising the Lord for the day He is giving you. Sing until you feel the release of the tension ease from your shoulders, take a deep breath, and go face the day with the Lord leading the way.

Prayer: Father God, Creator of all things, including today. I thank you for this day and help me learn to rejoice in it as I walk with You. I ask that You keep me in Your arms as I face the tough times and that Your will is done in all things that I do. I do rejoice that You have given me this day, and I praise You for Your love and guidance. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ref: Psalm 31:7, 32:11; Romans 15:13; Phil 4:4; 1Thes 5:16-18

Kelly L. Hartley, a new author, writes Bible studies, devotions, fiction, and poems. She focuses on Bible contradictions for her “Spare Time Musings” on Substack. She’s a member of Ozark Chapter of American Christian Writers and Springfield Writer’s Guild. Social media: Substack, 𝕏, Facebook, Instagram.