I am having a choppy start to the day. My Holy Hour this morning was disrupted by vet visits and work issues demanding immediate attention. The old secular me would look forward to the day ending with a tall glass of wine. The new me is looking forward to finding Jesus in the painful, stressful moments this day is pregnant with.
I have had many such days and in retrospect I remember my end of day prayers asking for forgiveness for lashing out at others because of stress, or for completely missing the presence of God throughout the day. I am hoping to remedy that today. I want my end of day prayer to be one of gratitude and joy, that I got to spend time with Him through the thick of it.
Words have power, they say, so here is my declarative statement: today is going to be a Spirit filled day. I intend to be at the feet of my Savior all day long. The issues are not obstacles, they are opportunities to shine and glorify our good Lord.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
-Proverbs 18:21
And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
In my reading today, Jeremiah was sent to prophesy at the temple. The priests, prophets, and people wanted to kill him. And then, standing before the princes, Jeremiah repeated the message from God and boldly committed to whatever consequences would follow.
“As for me, here I am, in your hand; do with me as seems good and proper to you. But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will surely bring innocent blood on yourselves, on this city, and on its inhabitants; for truly the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.”
-Jeremiah 26:14-15
He rose early and went to do the unpleasant job of conveying bad news to his fellow Israelites. He followed God’s will to the letter for their benefit and they tried to kill him. At least I know that no one is going to kill me for what I am expected to do today. I have that going for me.
So I guarantee you will see me back here tomorrow, alive and well, God willing. In the meantime, let us rejoice in hardships because God is with us always and we can do all things through Christ.
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
-Romans 5:3-4
Dear God,
Teach me to let You drive my day to completion. Help me rejoice in the ups and downs this day has to offer. Keep me grounded in You, my mind never wavering. May I speak gentle, kind words led by Your Holy presence. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.