A New Day Dawns

While there are many things every human being has in common with every other like being in this planet revolving around the sun, there is one, in particular, we must do each and every day—we must each and every one of us face the dawn of day. With the arrival of the sun upon the morning horizon, knowingly or unknowingly, purposely or without thought, we make many crucial decisions in the early moments of the day that will, at the very least, set into motion events that shape the day to come; possibly many more. Do we take the time to choose this course of action, or do we simply allow life to unfold as it wills, being randomly influenced by decisions or lack thereof by others inhabiting this third rock? I ponder this question today while in my own quandary of thought. I realized that while I may have awakened with a particular desire, I was not necessarily committed to taking every action needed to ensure that this day was the day I, and possibly God, purposed it to be. While we awake with certain hopes and dreams, we all too often allow the actions or lack thereof of others to alter our course and plan, and other than those rare occasions of unforeseen trauma or tragedy, we have no one to blame but ourselves. In my decades of walking with the Lord and having faced more new days in my past than I will in my future, I have begun to realize the preciousness of every new day. With this comes the need to stop looking at the circumstances surrounding me: the need to stop running scenarios, but rather to look upon and to the promises God has given me, and all of us, in His Word. These promises, which are not subject to circumstance, whim, emotions, desires, or any other worldly influence, are today what they were the day they were spoken into existence. They never change. As believers, they are and must be our foundation: the rock upon which we build all else. What are these truths, you ask? There are far too many to list; the Bible is full of them, and they're there for the finding. I believe you can find a promise for every situation you face—every challenge, every need, every want, and every desire. Promises that bring hope to the hopeless: Titus 1:2, "in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began." Promises that bring strength to the weak: Ephesians 6:10, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." Promises that bring comfort to the fearful: Romans 8:38–39, "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, no things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." And this promise, which we all at one time or another need as we face the reality of provision or lack thereof: Matthew 6:25–34, where we are instructed "do not worry" because our God will care for us, and we are reassured that He knows our needs, and He will meet every one of them. You see, it is these promises, and again so many more, which we must remind ourselves of at the dawn of every new day; that is if we desire to determine the path we are to walk. Forgetting to be reminded of and standing upon these promises will cause us to bounce from one crisis or challenge to another, much like a ball in a pinball game. We were not created to bounce to and fro by every whim and influence. No, we were created to stand strong in the promises of God, not to be influenced by circumstance, but rather to influence the world and the people in it with His truths. May I encourage you today, lay hold of the promises of God, lay hold of the truth, and walk in the freedom of who you are in and because of Jesus Christ. Let go of the lies and deception of the enemy; remove the chains of guilt, shame, fear, and doubt. Change your world; change the world—you have that power within you! Pastor Gene Burroughs, Missio Dei Ministries, Navarre, FL www.missiodeinavarre.org