Hello, I'm Sochi Lixon.

In today's encouragement from our daily bread, I'll be reading Reasons to Rejoice.

When Ms. Glendow walked into the church commons area, her infectious joy filled the room. She had just recovered from a difficult

medical procedure. As she approached me for our usual after church greeting, I thank God for

all the times over the years that she's wept with me, gently corrected me, and offered

encouragement. She's even asked for forgiveness when she's thought

she's hurt my feelings. Whatever the situation, she always invites me to share my struggles honestly

and reminds me that we have many reasons to praise God. Mama Glenda, as she lets me call her, wrap me in a gentle hug.

Hi baby, she said. We enjoyed a short conversation and prayed together. Then she left,

humming and singing as always, looking for someone else to bless. In Psalm 64, David boldly approached God with his complaints and concerns.

He voiced his frustrations about the wickedness he saw around him.

He didn't lose confidence in God's power or the reliability of his promises.

He knew that one day the righteous will rejoice in the Lord

and take refuge in him.

All the upright and heart will glory in him.

As we wait for Jesus' return,

we'll face tough times,

but we'll always have reasons to rejoice in every day God has made.

Today's our daily bread devotional scripture reading is Psalm 64.

Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint, protect my life from the threat

of the enemy, hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers.

They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.

...