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HAVE A GOOD DAY…UNLESS
We all use the familiar phrase, “Have a good day”. We say it mechanically, as a habit. And we don’t even think about what we are saying. It’s just a nice thing to say at the end of a conversation or as someone is leaving.
There is an interesting variation of that well-worn phrase: Have a good day. It goes like this “Have a good day – unless you’ve made other plans.” Do you think that we sometimes actually can keep ourselves from having a good day by having other plans? I think so. I think that we really can have plans of our own that will result in a miserable day – a ruined day.
We can decide to continue to hold a grudge, to have an unforgiving heart, to harbor resentment. We can decide to load ourselves down with worries, cares and fears. We can go along – always expecting the worst to happen.
So, then, what can we do so that we won’t spoil a good day? The first thing we need to do, I believe, is examine our lives to see what’s cluttering them up – starting with our attitudes. Are they sound, good, positive? Are they attitudes that are pleasing to the Lord whose children we are? Are they in accord with the holy will of God? It is so important that we determine to live each day close to Him, walk with Him, talk with Him. Remember what the Psalmist said – Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit.
So, then – get rid of all resentment, displeasure, anger, wrath, envy, greed, selfishness, bitterness, revenge, jealousy, hate. Each day is a special gift from God – Each day is a miracle.
The Apostle Paul said it all when he said: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. I’m sure by now most, if not all of you, know that this is one of my very favorite verses. This verse speaks volumes. It’s a good verse to memorize. But then Paul goes on…Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. So, Paul is saying…don’t dwell on what might happen…dwell on what is good and leave the future to God. If we follow these simple words, if we rely on God and give him our day… then we truly will have a good day – Every Day!!
Pastor Ruth
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