Today is the day...

Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our god; to comfort all that mourn;
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the Spirit of Heaviness; that they might be called tress of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

It would seem that the six days away from church are filled with continued weights of the world. Weights of self, pride, busy schedules, household chores, and responsibilities to friends, co-workers, and family. Weights of gluttony and high expectations of self and others. Little time was spent with my Savior this week.

As Saturday approaches my body argues adamantly to stay home on Sunday and rest. The week has been hard. The kids have been uncontrollable, and the marriage has been shaky at best. I haven’t even read the Sunday School lesson and it was only three pages. My body tries again to convince me to stay home on Sunday.

But I must confess that the Spirit of Truth reminds me of the words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 11. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” These words comfort me and ease my mind and body to sleep. Giving over the heavy weights of the week, my worries, and concerns to He who promised to “find rest for my soul.” To He who beckons, “Come.” “Come unto me.” To He whom I trust and believe.

As the morning dawns, I awake to a hymn from old running through my mind.
“There’s within my heart a melody.
Jesus whispers sweet and low.
Fear not I am with thee peace be still.
In all of life’s ebb and flow.”

As I lay there listening I know the source from which the music lies. I am refreshed in such a way that only God can do. He has supplied the appropriate amount of rest that I needed and my heart and spirit within me is awake. I am satisfied and ready for today’s journey.

But it is not just any journey. It is a day in which I have been given “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Today is the day I have come in humility and thankfulness of heart to worship and praise the King. Today is the day to be strengthened and encouraged with corporate worship and praise. Today is the day to allow the Spirit within to bond with those around and lift a sweet “sounding” aroma of thanksgiving and praise to the One who saved me from this body of death. Today is the day to recall the goodness of the One who preached good tidings. Today is the day to share with others the One who mended my broken heart, and who loosed the chains that bound me to this world. Today is the day to celebrate God’s liberating power; the workings of the Holy Spirit to comfort, teach, and guide. Today is the day to celebrate God’s enduring and everlasting love. Today is the day to praise Him for His persistence in His pursuit to find and seek the lost. Today is the day to know His loving hand of provision, protection, and yes, even His hand of discipline.

Today is the day for praise.
Lift high your voice and sing with all.
Lift high your voice its ne'r too small.
Today is the day to praise the King.