Photo And Commentary (c)2025 by Shelley Schurch
January 5, 2025
I sputtered. And then I muttered. Just look at this mug, semi-quoting a Bible verse. Leaving the Lord’s name out of it! Because I easily remembered the text (and the song). It goes like this:
This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
(Psalm 118:24 NKJV)
There. That’s what the mug should say! I was filled with righteous indignation. Well, maybe just indignation. When I looked again at the mug I thought several things:
1. It’s actually an attractive mug.
2. It means no harm.
3. It’s designed to attract a buyer who wants to celebrate a special day.
4. I should calm down.
I still like the original verse, though. As we edge into this brand-new year, I think it makes a wonderful verse for me to recite each morning. Maybe it would help me not to sputter and mutter so much!
In fact, I appreciate all of Psalm 118, especially its bookends. It begins and ends with the same verse:
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
(Psalm 118, verse 1 and verse 29)
As we glance over our shoulders at 2024, and cautiously look ahead at 2025, I’ve decided I want to fix my focus most of all on what will endure forever. God’s goodness and mercy top that list.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
(Psalm 23:6)
Happy, Healthy, Hopeful New Year to You and Yours!