"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
- Psalm 118:24
Have you ever woken up on a busy school day twenty minutes late? If you're anything like me, that will completely throw you off and make you really upset. You groggily stand up moaning as you put on your clothes. Your eyes are still stuck together by the time you're eating breakfast. Then, to make matters worse you miss the bus! Somehow, you still manage to get to school on time but instead of being happy about your little victory you complain to your friends about how terrible your day has been so far. You get a pop quiz in English class which only serves to make you grumpier. The day goes on and school ends. Guess what? Instead of happily rejoicing on how school is over, you complain and focus on how terrible the day was. Night comes and you go to sleep angered that God would ever let something like this happen to you. You don't talk to Him or read His word but think to yourself about how tired you are and how awful this day was.
I hate to admit it but this is often me. Without even thinking about it I complain instead of looking at the lovely little things God has given me. I don't rejoice or celebrate but only make excuses to myself of why I can't be happy. I think all of us have been here but what if there was a way to rejoice in any day? wouldn't you want that? I know I would want to tell people I was happy no joyful even on the bad days. Imagine how many people would see God in you! That would be amazing!
I'm going to tell you a secret. This is something not many people realize but as Christian we should know this. Looking at the lovely little things includes thanking and praising God in any time of your life. If someone gives you food, thank them, God, and remember it. When someone ask you about how your day is you can say, "Overall it wasn't so good but my friend gave me food and I had to take a test but I thought it went rather well."
People will notice this when they see your life falling apart but a genuine smile on your face. They're going to know something is different about you because you're actually talking about the good things when life is rough. You're rejoicing because the Lord has given you another day to live and spread His word. You no longer focus on the bad things and instead of complaining you use your words for greatness and celebration.
You might be thinking, "Okay. Kiki, this sounds like an amazing way to live but I don't think I can live like that ALL the time. That is impossible!" I understand exactly what you're saying there because I feel like that a lot, too. Fortunately for you, that position is wrong. You actually can be joyful and filled with peace in the hard times. You actually can celebrate!
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
- Philippians 4:13
You have Jesus and He can do anything through you. He will strengthen you so much so that He will help you to do the impossible. This means all you have to do is desire and ask the Lord to open your eyes to the lovely little things in life. Ask and you will receive. The Lord is right there waiting for you to turn to Him to be happy and find your joy. I challenge you spend some time this week with Him and asking Him to see the lovely little gifts He gives. Take a walk outside and appreciate the beauty of His creation. These lovely little things are gifts that He's waiting for you to open and see. He will definitely show you the joy and peace you need to celebrate and thank Him!
Much love, Kiki <3