Slumped over the table in the dark corner of a tavern, an old gent slumbered, having drifted away after one-too-many drinks. Some younger patrons nearby decided to play a trick on him. They procured a block of foul-smelling limburger cheese and rubbed it thoroughly into his moustache and beard. When the old man awoke, he took a sniff of the air, cringed, then stumbled over to another corner of the tavern and dozed off again.

God had made them rejoice with great joy…and the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

Nehemiah 12:43

Minutes later, he arose, sniffed again, and walked over to another corner. Finally, he went outside, took another whiff, and sat down on the curb in despair. “The whole world stinks!” he cried out.

This is what life is like when your attitude is to see the bad in everything. But that’s no way to draw others to the Savior. Today’s verse declares the power of joy to glorify God! “This is the day that the Lord has made,” says Psalm 118:24. “Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” As you pray for your leaders today, take the time to rejoice in America’s legacy. It is the godly heritage of the past that gives hope for the future.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 4:4-9