God Speaking

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

I was amazed to see, as I was travelling up the escalator of a very well-known North American department store, ( who will remain nameless) a huge poster on the wall with these words emblazoned on it; “Make Every Day A Great Day At…” It may have been a clever marketing ploy, but I was saddened to see the meaning behind those words. We are bombarded with all sorts of advertising which is usually aimed at persuading one that the product being advertised is something one has to have, but this sign had a much deeper meaning. It was inferring that by indulging in shopping in this brightly lit, beautifully decorated surroundings with just the right soft music playing, could transform your day and make it a great day. By aiming at the basic human concern with self, the advertisement was encouraging the thought that just by pleasing ourselves and acquiring more possessions we could change our whole outlook on life and have this wonderful experience of a great day. The psalmists had a very good answer to where they would want to spend the day;

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere…” (Psalm 84:10)

Scripture has lots of advice on how we can make each day a great day. One of the best ways of ensuring it is going to be a great day, is to start by acknowledging who made the day and rejoice in the fact that our lives are in his hands and start the day joyfully praising his name. (Psalm 118:24)

We know that life does not always run smoothly and at the end of some days we feel drained of any joy, but the beautiful promise of belonging to the Lord is the promise of being renewed by him so we can face any circumstance.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

We can relax knowing a great day is in store for us if we do not lose heart.

Perhaps the best way to ensure every day is a great day is to be content with what we have, where we are and who we are. I read this quote recently

“Contentment is not getting what we want, but being satisfied with what we have.”

The world, especially the market place, shouts a much different message than this. The secret of selling a product is to make the consumer feel dissatisfied with what he owns and promising that the newer more advanced laptop/car/kitchen appliance will ensure that the buyer will experience that great feeling after purchasing same. Time and time again this promise turns out to have a hollow ring to it when what we buy does not bring any dramatic change in our day.

When Paul is writing to Timothy he has some very wise words for him.

“But Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

Contentment can be achieved when we trust ourselves to the Lord

If being content can ensure that great day, Paul is a wonderful example of achieving just that by trusting Him who gives us strength.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)

Have a great day, every day with the Lord!