With its brilliant hues of orange and yellow, the sun rises on the eastern horizon like a strong man about to run his course (Ps. 19:5). A new day is set before us like a fine meal on a banqueting table. We are invited to feast upon its opportunities. It is “the day which the Lord has made” – a day to “rejoice and be glad” (Ps. 118:24). “From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised” (Ps. 113:3).
It may take a few minutes to shake the cobwebs from our minds. But soon, we are reminded that our Creator, the Giver of every good and perfect gift (Jas. 1:17), is wonderfully in charge of the world round about us and, more importantly, holds us in His hand, providing much-needed care and protection. To be sure, we have great concerns about the state of the world in which we live. A society bent on a godless, secular, and immoral lifestyle is not an indication of God’s indifference; but proof that the love He requires of us must be freely given. We serve Him because we love Him; not because we have been coerced into doing so.
“Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Mt. 6:34). However, the future remains bright because each potential source of anxiety which might derail a Christian’s joy has been turned over to the Lord in prayer (Ph. 4:4-6). Rather than being led through the day by worries and doubts, our hearts are guarded by His peace and our minds are focused on things worthy of meditation (vss. 7-9). Such freedom allows us to take full advantage of the opportunities God has placed before us to glorify His name (Gal. 6:10; Ps. 115:1).
Today, if we are walking in the light – fully vested in following Jesus our Lord – we have assurance of forgiveness and everlasting life (1 Jn. 1:7; 5:13). We are convinced of His love, knowing that His is a love from which we can never be separated even when assaulted by all the forces of wickedness (Rm. 8:35-39).
So, when we pillow our head tonight, let it be with the sweet assurance that we have served well, brought glory to His name, and have proven to be a blessing to those around us. Sweet dreams.
–Glen Elliott–