The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the LORD has done this, and it’s marvelous in our eyes. The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. – Psalm 118:22-24
This is the day the Lord has made. Not a different one. This one.
A couple days ago I organized a two-day meeting for 150 people. I’ve mentioned previously the stress that comes along with this type of work. Recently, a Forbes article named meeting planning as the fifth most stressful job in the world.
As I was driving early in the morning to set up the first day, I was thinking about something I wrote about a year ago about how God works while we sleep. While we are resting, he is readying. Everything God does is on purpose. He is deliberate in all his plans for us. I started thinking about this in the context of my pending event because something always goes wrong, no matter how much I prepare. That even in the missteps I view as mistakes and make me want a do-over, I could find some meaning. Because God made this day for me.
Not a day that goes smoothly without any bumps. Not a day where all the food arrives on time, and I don’t have to hunt through the kitchen to find it. Not a day when there are enough seats for everyone and the microphone works non-stop. Not a day where I feel appreciated, over paid, and under-worked.
He made this day. He made it perfectly. And he made it with me in mind.
That’s not to say that anything horrific or tragic is sent by him. We live in a fallen and broken world that will never be right until he returns. But, in the midst of all that doesn’t work right, his purposes are for our good.
I might not feel the day went well. I might think of all the things that could have been better. I might think about how I can’t wait for it to be over. I might even question God’s faithfulness by asking how in the world could I be happy about this day! But, even the worst of it is something he can use.
The days I want to reject are the very days he uses to do something in me.
In the chaos I can turn to him and know he is my peace. In my rush to get it all done, I can know I only have the capability to do it through him. And at the end of the day when I feel just plain worn out, it’s my opportunity to turn to the only person who provides rest for my soul, not just rest for my aching feet and tired body.
I’m realizing now that days he made hard are days he makes it hard for me not to come running towards him. And that’s right where he wants me to be. Safe in his arms. Relying on his strength. Trusting in his plan.
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.