Monday's Verse of the Day Devotional

Good morning! Sometimes, it is hard to find a reason to rejoice over your situation or circumstances. That's why it's important to shift your focus to the Lord. I may not be able to rejoice in what I'm going through, but I can always rejoice in the Lord.

His goodness and character doesn't change just because my circumstances are less than ideal. I hate being cooped up. I like being active and doing things productive. I started feeling a little ill last Tuesday. I took some zinc and other immune boosting vitamins, but by Christmas Eve, I was down for the count.

It turns out I have Influenza A and let me tell you, I can't remember when I've been this sick. I have been bed-ridden for nearly a week. I am not happy about not being able to do most basic things. All I have been left with is the promise from God that He will never leave me, nor forsake me. Despite me not feeling His presence, I have to trust His promises found in His word.

In fact, last night, I literally thought I was dying. Not to sound overly dramatic, but I spiked a fever around 8pm and it kept climbing quickly to the point that the thermometer quit giving a temp and just said, "High." I was home alone, feeling like death and wondering if I was going to be with Jesus.

I found myself rejoicing in the Lord. I just put on a praise song and worshiped because I couldn't do anything else. My wife and kids came home from visiting family after my text to tell them of my high fever. I asked them to pray. By the time they got home, the fever came down to 103.5, then started dropping to an almost normal temp. I couldn't rejoice in my situation, but God didn't change because of my sickness. I could still rejoice in Him and so can you. No matter what you're facing, learn to rejoice in the Lord always. You will find joy despite your situation and make even a bad day a good day in Him!