Do not be slothful in zeal … rejoice in hope … be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:11-12

As a college freshman, I had an early religion class where we started each day reciting Psalm 118:24, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” I remember the zeal with which our class would say this passage!

As elderly people, our bodies can be filled with aches and pains. We or a friend find out about an unexpected illness, or we receive a call that someone we know has died. On any of these days, we may find it hard to rejoice and to be glad — to have zeal.

At these times, we only need to remember God’s promise in Isaiah 40:31, “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength.”

Stan Tordsen
Stewartville, MN

Dear Lord, help me begin each day thanking You by reciting Your Word with zeal! Amen.

Reflect: Share with others how you begin your day.

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18