“HAVE A GOOD DAY”?

 

  “Have a good day.” is a common expression in our USA culture. Ask a people to define a good day and you will typically get one or more of the following categorical responses.

·         A day that feels good emotionally and physically.

·         A day that runs smoothly without a lot of stress.

·         A day successful in accomplishing goals.

·         A day that includes respect, recognition and appreciation.

  Ah, but is this how we in this “Christian nation” should evaluate days?

  A good day is when whatever happens or does not happen is seen and thought of as “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps.118:24; Rom.8:28)

  I share my study on Biblical attitude items that I see as essential to a good day:

·         That we exercise healthy reverence (fear & appreciation) for God. (Ex.20:3; Mt.22:33-40)

·         That we gain wisdom. (Job 12:12; Proverbs et al)

·         That we trust that any understanding to be had is through and by God. (Job 28:12-28)

·         That any understanding can only be realized as we depart from evil. (Job 28:28; James 1:5-8)

·         That we don’t demand present understanding of all events. (Job 38:1-41; Isaiah 55)

·         That we accept all days as His day. (Ps.118:24a)

·         That we see God in it. (Ps.118:24)

·         That regardless of events we rejoice in it. (Ps.118:24b; Phil.4:4)

·         That understanding comes by circumspect reverence and love. (Pr.1:7; 2Pet.3:10-11; 1Jn.4:1-21)

·         That we live knowing that life is not about “bread alone”. (Mt.4:4a; Phil.4:11-13)

·         That we manifest living by God’s Word. (Mt.4:4b)

·         That we relate to our fellow man with godliness. (Mt.22:38-39)

·         That we act and react as those indwelt by God’s Holy Spirit. (Jn.1:12; Gal.5:22,23; Eph.5:9)

·         That we don’t make it about us. (Phil.4:5)

·         That we give every care over to God. (Phil.4:6; 1Pet.5:7)

·         That we thereby experience God’s peace. (Phil.4:7,9; 1Tim.2:2))

·         That we fix our thoughts on all that is right and good. (Phil.4:8)

·         That we always check options first with The Guide. (Phil.4:13; 2Tim.3:16-17)

·         That, like them or not, we pray for our leaders. (1Tim.2:2)

·         That we study to show ourselves equipped and approved by God, the Ultimate Judge. (2Tim.2:14-16; 3:16-17; Heb.9:27;11:6)

·         That we seek God’s maturation in it. (Heb.5:12-14; James 1:2-4; 1Pet.2:1-3)

·         That it does not hinge on our getting respect, recognition, and appreciation. (James 1:9-11)

  How now do we define a good day? 

EBB4, I often review the above.