Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:1-5
“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lordturn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26
I’ve heard a famous Christian teacher tell audiences this profound truth: “It’s one thing to see a miserable sinner but a miserable Christian is a tragic thing.” While we all, believers and non-believers, have heartbreaking or difficult events in our lives, we have to acknowledge that the majority of our lives run from fun and exciting to dull and average. Yet throughout it all Jesus followers should emulate the apostle Paul and be always searching and living gratefully for God’s ever presence in our lives.
This truth really hit home for me when I read Corrie Ten Boom’s famous book, “The Hiding Place.” Her sister Betsie could find joy in God’s provision even in the darkest moments of a Nazi concentration camp. Corrie, more of a like-mind with me, would roll her eyes when her sister would make joyous declarations such as, “Give thanks in all circumstances. It doesn’t say ‘in pleasant circumstances.’ Fleas are part of this place where God has put us.”
As lights of the Lord reflecting out God’s love and goodness to the world, we need to be especially mindful of our outward attitude and appearance when events go awry in our lives. Showing the world who we trust and who is working for our good. And when events turn to joy we need to give it all up to God in His bountiful mercy and glory.
I first heard this song about having a good day when I was visiting and caring for my two-year old grandson. My daughter had shared with me Owen’s Spotify playlist so we could listen to his pre-school songs in the car. You know, fun stuff like “icky sticky bubble gum” and the “wheels on the bus” played on repeat. When this bright and joyous song came on in the car he exclaimed, “Mommy’s song!” We sang along with vigor.
I asked my daughter about it later that day. She explained they play this song every morning on their way to work and daycare to set the tone for the day. To remember that with God in our lives it can always be a good day. Because while the Lord has blessed us with breath and we acknowledge that the creator of the universe knows our very name, we can have a great day in every single way.
Friend, I once thought this view of life was blind to the realities of the world. Until the scales were taken off my eyes and the truth was revealed. Emmanuel, God with Us, shines His beautiful light on us in all circumstances. So play it loud and sing it like ya mean it. Because today can and will be a good day.
Click here to listen to today’s song: Good Day
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