The Psalmist says in our key verse, “This is the day the Lord has made;We will rejoice and be glad in it.” This Scripture, in its literal meaning, is understood that every day God gifted to us is a “virgin day”—not a single day has lost its purity when it is given to us. It is us who make it unholy and contaminated.

We have heard the word ‘Virgin’ applied in many areas of our life.  ‘Virgin Olive Oil’ is something we shop at the grocery store and likely to see in the kitchen shelf as well.  Here the word ‘virgin’ means ‘pure’, ‘original’ or even ‘first quality’ and there is nothing to compare. The concept of virginity traditionally involves chastity and denotes “purity”— in its ‘original condition’ (still unpacked for its use), reserved for its destined/holy purpose.  When it comes to a product – as long as it remains in its original packing it carries its face value whereas if it is used even for one day/time, it loses its original value and becomes second hand or goes with a tag ‘used item.’

When this is applied to every single day the Lord gives us, we understand how it is to be considered- something of original value and beyond compare! Hence the kind of prayer that we should make every morning, in the writer’s own opinion- “Lord give us your strength and grace to keep up the sanctity of the day and enable us to finish the day in its divinity” -when we involve in every course of action. Even when we look at creation, it is God who made the day and night and He saw that it was good.

This verse is commonly quoted by Christians as a general reference. How many times have we uttered these words: “This is the day that the Lord has made!”  Let us look at this verse on the strength of its context. The overall content of Psalm 118 gives us a broader meaning to establish this declaration:

1. This is the day of God’s everlasting mercy (Vs 1-4) -The Psalmist calls different groups to give thanks to God, then sings the little phrase: “For He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”  The first turn goes to Israel, then to the House of Aaron and finally to those who fear the Lord where he tries to include every believer of the past, present and the future. This is a call for celebration— His love keeps us going; His love never wears down; His love never grows cold; His love is never distant or inaccessible; His love is as near to you and me as the beating of our heart.

2. This is the Day of God’s Protection (Vs.5-18)- Here the Psalmist describes what he had been facing, his anguish. Problems had risen like mountains, but God saved him. God does the same for us when in our anguish and hopelessness. He is our real refuge in the days of trouble.

3. This is the Day of the LORD and Savior of the world (Vs 19-29)- As we study this Psalm, the Psalmist predicts the events of Palm Sunday.  As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds echoed, “Save Us now” (V25). The rejected stone became the cornerstone (V22), and Jesus entered Jerusalem to become the Savior of the world! This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

As we remember and cherish what our Lord had done for us, it’s our responsibility to keep the sanctity of each day and safeguard it as ‘virgin day/s’ so that our Master will be well pleased.

Prayer: Lord, You gifted me a virgin day and I tried to safeguard the same with utmost care and reverence and as I close my day and give You my daily account, I am grateful and give You all glory, honor and praises without losing its purity. In Jesus name.