Dawn of a New Day

“This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 NLT)

I sat straight up in bed at 5:00 am this morning for the second day in a row.  I looked at the window where the sunshine was pouring in through the slats in the blinds.  Before even knowing what today will bring, I thanked the Lord for this wonderful day.  I thanked Him for all the blessings He will be pouring out on us today.

That sunshine streaming through the window made me think about the fact that every new day is a reminder of God’s love for us.  Every day He gives us is a blessing.

Jesus’ Resurrection

The sunrise every morning reminds me of the raising of God’s only son, Jesus, from the grave after being sacrificed on the cross to die for our sins.

“He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.” (1 Corinthians 15:4 NLT)

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NLT)

A Fresh Start – Forgiveness of Sin

Every new day is a fresh start.  This reminds me that the Lord will forgive us of our sins, wash us clean, and give us a fresh start.  Thank you Lord for your forgiveness!

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9 NLT)

Darkness Will Always Lose Out to Light

The darkness of night is removed when the sun rises each day.  This reminds me that darkness (evil) will always flee from you when you humble yourself before God, follow His Will, and keep his light burning within you.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:5 NLT)

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 NLT)

“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT)

A New Day to Shine

Just as the sun shines down upon us, God’s light shines out through us that walk with Him.

“14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT)

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)

“9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,[a] a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)

Faith

We have faith that the sun will rise each morning.  Although we cannot see the sun during the night, we know it is there and have faith that it will rise again the next morning.

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NLT)

Guidance and Direction

The position of the sun in the sky can be used for navigation.  Sometimes it can be hard to know where God would have us go.  If our hearts and lives are centered on God, His Word and His Will, we can be rest assured that He will direct our paths.

“4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.  5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.  All day long I put my hope in you.” (Psalm 25:4-5 NLT)

“5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)

Warmth

Just as the sun warms our world, God’s love is a fire that warms and kindles our hearts.

Live for Today

Today is today, not yesterday or tomorrow – a new day.  The way I live today is the day that counts most in my pursuit of God and in my usefulness to Him.  My mistakes and sins of the past are forgiven.  Today is the day I have and if I am excusing myself for not pursuing God or following His Will today, then I am squandering the most precious resource God has given me.

“Thank You, Lord, for this wonderful day you have given us.  Thank you for all the blessings you are pouring out upon us.  Thank You for what this new day will bring.  Thank You for forgiving my sins and washing me clean.  Thank You for the faith I have in You.  Thank You for your guiding my steps on the path You have set for me.  Thank You for your never-ending love.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.”