Rejoice, for this is the change the Lord has made

Change is a fact of life.

Some of us adjust well to it; others collapse under it.

Some changes are brought about by our own decisions and actions.

Psychologists have discovered the most stress creating circumstances are changes for good.

Choosing to go back to school, taking that new job, buying a new car or house, saying "I do" -- all are exciting, but stressful change.

The change that seems to get our attention the most is change that comes at us from out of the blue, knocking us to the floor in disbelief -- change like getting a text message that your yearlong contract for your business will not be renewed, or looking at an ultrasound to see not just one baby but two.

People of faith adjust to change through believing that this change did not catch the Lord by surprise and he has gifted you with the day to relish in it.

The Psalmist under inspiration composes the beautiful words in Psalm 118:24 that guide us down the path of change -- even change that is beyond our control. He writes, "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."

This is the day. Not tomorrow, not yesterday, not years down the road, but today.

Yes, the Lord is creator of them all but they are not the current moment of existence. They are not the moment of change you are in.

Your everyday moments of exuberance and simplicity are here today.

You cannot wait for your real life to begin because this is the day.

The Lord has made today. He is not surprised by the change of today and blessings of tomorrow.

Change in your life can be navigated because he knows where it is going before you do. To live in the day is to live by faith in his providence even when it seems that our enemies gain while those of faith suffer.

I will rejoice. Rejoicing is a choice.

It is a predetermined mindset to celebrate. It is not to be naive but to decide to rejoice and celebrate before a change happens.

Jesus says in the gospel of John, "I have come to give life and life abundantly."

He promises life.

That life will either be abundantly sweet or abundantly sour. That is our choice.

Today is the day.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father and serves as the associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Jackson. Read more from him at www.robhurtgen.wordpress.com.