SEARCHLIGHT
What keeps you from having a great day every day?
SCRIPTURE
This is your wonderful thought for the day: Jehovah is God both in heaven and down here upon the earth; and there is no God other than him! You must obey these laws that I will tell you today, so that all will be well with you and your children, and so that you will live forever in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 4:39,40 Living Bible
SPOTLIGHT
How do you start your day? What do you think about? Do you have to have a cup of coffee before you know you are really alive? Do you hear the birds always singing every morning and wonder why you can’t? Just remember that the birds don’t go to work.
Someone offered some suggestions in order to have a wonderful day. See how many you do:
- Wake up with a positive attitude and a smile on your face. [But how do you do that if you went to bed anxious about your already known confrontational activities the next day?]
- Make your bed and open the curtains to let in natural light. [But how is that helping you to overcome your uncertainty for the future weeks and months when you don’t have a job?]
- Take a few moments to plan your day. [But how does that help when you already feel like you are under the circumstances rather than being over the circumstances?]
- Eat a healthy breakfast. [But how does that make you overcome existing fears and possibly a loss of hope? You cannot eat your fears away.]
All of the above suggestions can be helpful, but they do not turn an undesirable day or week into something you can be thankful that you experienced. And then there is another recurring problem.
How do you handle change? Change comes quickly. Change has a powerful effect. Change impacts many people. Change can be very unsettling and problematic. Like every living soul, each day you are facing the possibility of global change, country change, community change, home change, family change, job change and health change. All that does not create wonderful thoughts about the days ahead. Uncertainty and stress can easily result.
Moses authored the book of Deuteronomy. The Jewish people were about to enter the Promised Land. As exciting and fulfilling as it may seem, each day was not going to be without many struggles, hurdles and problems. Moses wanted to prepare them. In Deuteronomy 4:32-40, he eloquently explained how they could wake up every day with a song in their hearts. The most important piece of advice for starting every day was not a positive thought or building self-confidence. Moses told them to daily remind themselves of one truth. And this wisdom is just as important for you too! What is it? Look again at today’s Scripture focus. Below is a summary.
The most wonderful thought you can have every day of your life is to remind yourself there is only one, true living God. You are to never forget about the greatness and goodness of God toward you. You are to remind yourself every day you wake up that Almighty God is incomparable.
Moses gave 4 reasons why this truth should shape a person’s life every day:
- God is powerful. Remember that God is the all-powerful Creator [Deut. 4:32], greatest Communicator [Deut. 4:33], and without fail Deliverer. [Deut. 4:34] And you personally know Him through Jesus Christ!
- God is present. Remember that God is always present with you. You have chosen to personally know Him which means He is with you now. [Deut. 4:35,37]
- God makes promises. Remember that God pledges to you an inheritance that guarantees a bright future for you. [Deut. 4:38] All of God’s promises in the Bible are yours because you are God’s child.
- God gives you privilege. Remember that God invites you to daily experience His power, presence, and promises by believing and obeying. [Deut. 4:39,40]
Imagine waking up every day with this most wonderful thought. You are special and valuable to all powerful God who created you. He chooses to empower you and communicate to you throughout the day. In addition, God will protect you and deliver you when needed. Add to that, God never leaves you but is always with you. Live each day knowing God is for you and with you! People do not see Him, but you know Him. Imagine every day remembering that God’s promises from the Bible never expire but are for you today.
All these truths describe your incomparable God. There is no other god like your God. This makes every day a God day which is far better than just a good day. THIS IS YOUR WONDERFUL THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!
Your privilege today and every day is to believe who God is and obey His commands and principles given in the Bible. God does not force you to believe and obey but invites you to personally trust and obey. Really, there is no other way to be truly fulfilled.
SOMETHING TO DO
Recall times when God has shown His power in your life. Remember times when you felt God’s presence in your daily living. Remind yourself when God kept His promises.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for giving me a daily confidence and strength to face good days and bad days. Thank you for never leaving me alone. And thank you for fulfilling all Your promises in the Bible. Because I am beginning my day with You, I am now privileged to experience God days of blessing rather than just good days. AMEN