Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1

I used to awaken our children by entering their rooms waving my hands in the air and singing, “Rise and shine and give God the glory. Glory. Children of the Lord.”

I can still hear their groans as they covered their heads and tried to postpone the start of another day.

Some days are like that. We don’t feel ready to arise, and we definitely aren’t ready to shine!  LOL

But isn’t God awesome. With the gift of each new day we are invited to rise and shine.  And through His love and grace we are given the ability to do just that. Breath to fill our lungs and strength to shine.

What a blessing it is to know that we don’t have to get up and sparkle on our own. We are just reflectors of the Lord’s love and grace in our lives. A life filled with praise shines the light of God’s love on others and sparkles in a way that gives Him glory.

So, for today let’s arise and shine with His help and for His glory. One day at a time . . . shining and sparkling. To God alone be the glory!!

Joyce sites men and women of God in the Old and New Testament who worshiped God first before facing the enemy. Gideon, Elijah, Paul, Jesus to name a few. All worshiped God despite their circumstances, and God moved!

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. Psalm 150:6

Worship in the midst of my circumstances, despite how I feel. That’s what I need to do instead of complaining about them. I admit, sometimes it’s hard. Okay, most times it’s hard, but I’m getting better at this. Instead of focusing on my problems and what I don’t have, I’m trying to visualize them as I know God wants them to be and trying to be content with knowing God has me right where He wants me whether I understand or like it! And it really has changed my attitude about the situation, when I’ve done that.

The toughest part is remembering to praise God and thank Him for what I know He will eventually accomplish. I have no idea when He will bring certain things to pass, but I do know if I focus on the future and the will of God for my life, it will happen.

Worship God for who He is despite my need. That’s what I’m trying to do. What about you?