Rejoice and Be Glad
Published Jan 19, 2021
By Joyel Vandenboogart
This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24
There were many seasons in my life that I had a hard time rejoicing. I only saw the struggle or the pain and didn’t cling to the promises of God. I know in my heart He cares deeply about every part of my story. I know that He will not abandon me or forget about me, yet, in these tough periods, it is hard to believe those truths. We must remember that life is how we see things… We can look at situations and see the important or the insignificant. We can choose to be crushed or choose to celebrate what God is doing.
I prayed for my baby girls for what feels like forever. We tried for years to get pregnant with Lily and I woke up in the morning with hope for a baby and would cry when the test would come back negative again. However, as I look back on that season of life, that felt impossible. I can’t help but thank God that it wasn’t the end of the story for me. I now am full of joy at how it brought Levi and I closer together. I had no idea how bonding that was until the time played out. Now that I have Lily & Leigha I am so grateful and blessed, but think about daily friends and family members who are still waiting for their day. The longings are deep. The wounds feel too heavy. I watched dear friends go through IVF and it fail multiple times and friends struggle through deep pain of desiring a child. I do not have the words to fully understand their pain or struggle. Sometimes, it is hard to say “This is the day that the Lord has made.” Or even more that we are going to rejoice and be glad in it?!?! Sometimes the busyness, tasks, pressures, or troubles drown out the cries, or desires and hopes. The heartbreaking losses and seasons of change rips me at the core. So if you are reading this and this is your struggle, God hears it. He is with you. Keep praying and hoping and trusting in His plan. And don’t do it alone. Reach out to a friend and do life with others.
So much of this world is how we perceive it. God knows the full story. He knows the plan, but honestly a lot of days I don’t trust it. I try to take over and play God rather than displaying who He is. I really don’t know what is good, but God does. Will you trust Him today? And rejoice in the day He has made?
Let’s take time to watch for the things that are good. Slow down and hear His whispers and His plan. Give God your open hand and your plan rather than focusing on the negativity in our world. Exhale… take a breath, and consider the blessings He has in store for you and the promises.
