If you’re anything like me and many people I know, you absentmindedly respond to questions about your day with words such as “fine” or “okay.” If you really take time to reflect on your day instead of automatically responding with one of these neutral words, what factors determine if your day is good or bad?
I realized recently that I use some pretty inconsequential factors to evaluate my day. For example, if my daughter had poor naps, then I sometimes feel that I had a bad day. Similarly, I sometimes feel my day was bad if I didn’t get anything cleaned. If my daughter had good naps and I got some housework done, on the other hand, then I feel that I had a great day.
It’s not only silly to evaluate my day solely by these factors, but it demonstrates my lack of perspective and struggle to trust the Lord. What other factors should we consider when evaluating our days? Here are some of my thoughts.
Factors to consider when evaluating our days
-Today didn’t happen randomly; it was given to us by the Lord.
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
-God has new mercy for us every day.
“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:19-23
-Though we face uncertainty, we can enjoy and live with enthusiasm today.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” James 4:13-15
-We can be content in the face of difficult situations.
“Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Philippians 4:11
-God is in control.
“…I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.” Isaiah 45:6-7
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
I sure feel rejuvenated after reading through these verses! I feel motivated to view my days through the lens of Psalm 146:2.
Don’t misunderstand my point in sharing these verses—I’m not saying that we should entirely disregard the things we’ve experienced on a given day when evaluating how it went. It’s natural for these to influence how we feel! However, I am saying that we should also consider the big picture. There is so much more to our days than a few little failures or successes!
What do you typically consider when determining how your day has gone?
Shared on the following link-ups:
Word Filled Wednesday, WholeHearted Wednesday, Monday’s Musings and The Art of Home-Making.
I try to look back over the day and see God’s hand. I often say to myself, “what’s the truth here?”
That’s a really great question to ask, Julie. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I often say “had better, had worse” when telling how I am today. I have been known to complain a little, but follow up with ” but at least I’m alive to complain about it.” I guess that is what yu mean by looking at it over all.
I think the “being alive to complain about it” really puts it in perspective. I’m sure if we knew today was our last we would feel better about what happens!
Our pastor taught us the verse “This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it” and many times I have used this verse to start my day. Visiting from Monday Musings.
Hi Rebecca,
That is probably one of the most suitable verses to start each day!
I am so glad I came by this today. I have two children {just over two and a ten month old} and each day feels like a rollercoaster. How I feel at the end of the day really depends on how the kids have been, how much I have gotten done, how I feel about my mothering etc. I’ve really noticed that each day is different and my husband must never know if I’m having a good day or not. I want to change and today, which was difficult, I was really fighting not to feel consumed by it all. Thank you for the great truths and verses.
Hi Sarah,
I think you understand exactly what I was talking about in the post!
I pray you and I are both able to let these verses decide how our days are going. 🙂
‘God is control’ and we enjoy renewed mercies each day.
I love this!
Thanks Shannon.
God Bless
I’m pleased to share it! I need these reminders over and over again.
I always consider that God is good and has my best interest at heart. That often determines how my day is and the response I give. I really love the scriptures you shared…
Those are good things to remember, Ugochi. Thanks for sharing!
I am guilty of allowing my children’s attitudes to set the tone for my day sometimes. If they are cranky in the morning, guess what, so am I. But as you said our days are given to us by the Lord and we need to focus on that, on Him. No matter what our circumstances, plans or ideas for the way our day should pan out …the Lords purpose will prevail”. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Celi,
This is definitely something I’m growing in. I pray you will, too!
This was a wonderful reminder, Shannon. One thing we have learned around our house is that we should highly value an ordinary day. There has been so much upheaval and hard times in our lives over the past few years, that we are extremely grateful for days that we can stay home and be at peace….ordinary days that do not include suffering and loved ones in hospitals and nursing homes, etc. I will never discount the ordinary again. What a gift! Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving such sweet encouragement behind. I was so happy to “see” you! God bless you and your sweet family.
Thanks for stopping by, Cheryl, and for sharing about the value of an “ordinary” day. Indeed, we should be grateful for these days!
What a beautifully written post! I sometimes find myself too exhausted to even look back over the day, and in not doing so any little irritation or occurrence that upset me is all I really remember later… This is some seriously good food for thought! Thanks so much for sharing!
Found you at Whole Hearted Home Link Up!
Hi Lorey,
Irritations seem to stand out in our minds, don’t they? I hope we’re all able to focus more on the good.
What an excellent reminder! Thank you for sharing this on the Art of Home-Making Mondays! 🙂
Thanks, JES! It’s always wonderful to share what the Lord is teaching me.