Some days feel light and easy, while others bring discouragement, disappointment, or pain. Psalm 118:24 reminds us that every day is crafted by the Lord. Learning to rejoice in both the pleasant and unpleasant is not about pretending everything is fine, but trusting that God is present, purposeful, and kind in every circumstance. Let’s say a prayer that will help us greet each day, whether good or hard, with faith, gratitude, and a growing sense of joy in the one who made it.
A Prayer
Dear Father,
Every day is a blessing from you. You know what each moment will hold, and you are never surprised by what comes. From the first chapters of the Bible, you have shown how you use both joy and hardship to bring about good. You raised Joseph from betrayal and prison to save many lives during famine. You used the suffering of Job to display your faithfulness. You took the cross, the darkest moment in human history, and used it to bring salvation through Christ. Your wisdom reaches far beyond what I can see, and I praise you for your power and perfect timing.
I confess that when things go wrong, I do not always believe in your goodness. I doubt your purposes when plans collapse, when health fails, or when broken relationships leave me aching. I question why suffering is allowed and forget that you see the full picture. I know that your plans are not meant to harm me, yet in my weakness I sometimes assume the worst. Please forgive my lack of trust and my quickness to complain.
Thank you that you are patient with me. You do not cast me aside when I struggle to understand. You are a kind father who walks with your children through pain and confusion. Even my poor choices and the failings of others are not beyond your reach. You redeem what seems hopeless and remind me that this life is not the end of the story. You give joy that does not depend on comfort, and you promise that one day all sorrow will fade in the light of your glory.
Lord, as I walk this path, help me to live out Psalm 118:24 (ESV): “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” When days are pleasant, let gratitude flow easily from my heart. When days are heavy, remind me that you are still present and still good. Teach me to have joy and to rejoice not because life is perfect, but because you are with me in every moment you make.
Help me trust your purposes even when I cannot see them. Strengthen me to meet each day with gratitude, humility, and hope. Let my words, my posture, and my choices reflect my belief that this day belongs to you. And when I forget, gently lift my eyes back to you.
Thank you that one day I will see how even the hardest days were used for good. Until then, give me a heart that rejoices, lips that speak truth, and a spirit that finds joy in your steadfast love.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Respond
Please pray a prayer about joyfully trusting God with today.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can use the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, and Supplication:
- Adoration: Praise God. Does this topic bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
- Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this topic bring any specific sins to mind?
- Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from this topic inspire gratitude?
- Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from this topic inspire a prayer?
If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.
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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
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