29 February 2008 Devotion for Today “Leap Year” Psalm 118:24
Today is what is known as “Leap Day” the day that shows up once in four years on our calendars. It was created as a modification when the Gregorian calendar was introduced in the 1700’s, because the earth does not orbit the sun precisely 365. In fact, it needs an extra six hours, and because those six hours add up over time, an extra day is added every four years. There are many superstitions and traditions that surround the leap year. As a kid I remember reading the comic strip “Lil’ Abner” and the Sadie Hawkins day event when women try to catch men and make them their husbands. I recall being mystified by classmates who were born on this date in 1960 who did not have a birthday but once in four years. We still celebrated their birthdays in our classroom anyway.
No matter when your birth date falls, according to the Psalmist, every day is a day to celebrate. He says “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
Why can we celebrate this day? Verse 6 of this Psalm says, “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” This means I can approach this day with confidence as well as courage. Gladness, in verse 24, carries with it the idea of contentment. Can there be any group of people so disposed to contentment as Christians? In verse 17, the Psalmist also says, “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.” What a commitment one may make to this day, that he refuses to die on this day- but instead will live another day to proclaim what the Lord has done in his life. That’s a great commitment to have.
There are several other reasons we can find to rejoice in this day. Take time out to rejoice in what God has done for you. At the very least, you can face this day with courage, with confidence, with contentment, and commitment. What greater way can you begin your day than that? “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
May this day be a blessed one!
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