A BAD DAY TRANSFORMED
With every morning my God affords me, I will begin that day in prayer to Thee, by offering praises and thanksgiving to my Father above, the one who shows how much He cares and how much He loves. I will venture out with confidence knowing that He is with me. I will move around with assurance that He is in me, and I can sense that this day on my job will be good to me. But before I know it when I arrive, the reality of a harsh world around me is about to test what is in me. Just a few hours ago I felt I was off to a good start but suddenly confronted with what can take me apart.
I say to myself this is just another day at work, and I am able to stand against any adversary’s intention to hurt. I am prepared for a day such as this when my confidence will be challenged, and my assurance in Him seems like just a wish. As the day passes by, I feel like I am at the end of my rope, like a defeated fighter who has lost his hope.
My heart is bruised, and my feelings hurt, my confidence has been shaken and my assurance in Him feels broken. Why? Because on my own, and in my own strength, I cannot withstand the challenges that were sent. The way I started my day, is the way I must continue, with God first, foremost, and center all the way. Then the battles I face will be His to fight, on my behalf with all His might. As I give way for His strength to be made perfect in my weakness, I am now able to thank Him and ask for His forgiveness. 2 Corinthians 12: 9b (KJV).
Learning to lean on God when life is overwhelming, is what we must always be ready to do when life around us is challenging. He will guide our steps as the Psalmist said, “He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46: 1 (KJV). We must remain committed to God and be guided by the counsel of His Word, receive direction from His Spirit, and follow all that we have heard.
Even though this day seemed to have overwhelmed me, the lesson learned is that I must keep my trust in Thee. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 76: 26 (NIV). Whenever we are overwhelmed with troubles, when temptations prevail, and the attacks are numerous; the Lord will support and send His Spirit to sustain us.
My today was known to Him before the experience I had. My heart has reached out to Him, and His answer has made me glad. He has given me the assurance that His grace and mercy are with me, and the battle I thought I have lost; He has recorded it as my victory. From the lesson I have learned, this is a victory well earned.
So, “In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4: 8 (NIV). Your Word again says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26: 3 (KJV). My trust is in You, my gratitude for my today is to You. My peace for my tonight is from You. Because of Your love, my heart is comforted, because of Your grace, all troubles and heartaches are departed.
By Pastor C. Baxter