Rejoice!

I recently enjoyed an early morning adventure.  By invitation, I was asked to attend the 7th Annual Hatchet Creek Festival to share a devotion before participates started out for the last leg of their journey on this hidden gem in Coosa County.

It has been a pleasure to live in this beautiful and rural part of Alabama.  Such special places are here which remind us of God’s creative power.  The Creek is not different.  A hidden gem located in the middle of the county, starting at once end on the Clay County side, twisting and turning through lush forest and emptying into Lake Mitchell on the Chilton County side of Coosa County.

Here you will discover the vast and very pristine-untouched-nature which makes Alabama such a special place.  Though I have never floated down the creek, I have been to various places along the banks.  Yet, on this special morning I traveled into an area where the campsites were set up that was more beautiful than I can describe-it was more wonderful than words can tell.

“[Hatchet Creek] drains 422 square miles, runs for approximately 40 miles, and drops over 400 feet in elevation.  The watershed is secluded and heavily forested, and offers stunning scenery to outdoor adventurists.  Rare Cahaba lilies are present in many shallow water areas of the creek and, when in full bloom, are literally breathtaking.  [There are] 61 species of fish and 12 species of snails call the creek home, including the federally threatened Tulotoma snail. Other popular game fish that are found in flowing portions of Hatchet Creek include largemouth bass, spotted bass, redeye bass, bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), longear sunfish, and redbreast sunfish.” (From Outdoor Alabama)

More than 20 miles from the Rockford to the campsite, with around 4 miles of driving on a single lane dirt road-actually very muddy and slippery on this first Sunday in May.  But, what beauty to capture my early morning adventure. It was pleasure to join over 100 individuals under a tent for a time of prayer and devotion.

May I share with you the devotion?

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Even in the midst of rainy weather and muddy ground, what a wonderful day it is.  What a day?  Yesterday and today you have and will enjoy the beauty of nature, seeing God’s creation around you in all directions.  Here, on the Creek, you are free from the pressures and problems of life and enabled to spend two days reconnecting with a peace that passes understanding.

You have enjoyed the riches of nature, the beauty of this area few ever get to enjoy.  Viewing God’s creation from between the banks.  I hope you have been rejoicing, basking in the greatness of the moment. 

For, “this is the day the Lord has made…”

This is God’s work, put into place with nothing more than His Word spoken at creation. And today is a NEW DAY!  As you journey below this point you will find the waters flowing, the rocks applauding, the trees swaying and the grass bowing.  All of God’s creation will sing praise to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords…

For, “this is the day the Lord has made…”

David said it best, when he penned the words:

“Say among the nations: ‘The LORD reigns. The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken. He judges the peoples fairly.’ Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and all that fills it resound. Let the fields and everything in them exult. Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy…” Psalm 96:10-12 (HCSB)

It was God who woke you from your slumber this morning; it was God who opened your eyes; it was God who has provided this day for YOU!  He has given you another day…

“Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! I say: The LORD is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 (HCSB)

Enjoy yourself today.  As you do, remember at every twist and turn, every rapid and calm pool, this is God’s creation and He has given you this pleasure this weekend.

I urge you to make this verse your daily verse:

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

When things go wrong, when life assaults you, when you feel as if you are the punching bag for others: Remember, God is with you, He will never leave you; God is working out His purposes in your life (Romans 8:28); God is walking through the valley with you (Psalm 23).

HE loves you!  HE longs for you!  HE lives again so you too may live!

Rejoice my friends!

JWF

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