One day at a time is a common advice given to people who are
overwhelmed. Ask anyone who has been through a life crisis, and most
likely, he will tell you that he has managed because he just tried to
live through his dark season one day at a time.
Followers of Jesus like us will also benefit from such a mindset. As
we try our very best to become better Christians we are encouraged to
go through our character-improvement process “one day at a time.”
In His own words, our Messiah encouraged everyone who wants to follow
His footsteps to take their crosses daily.
“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let
him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Matthew
6:23
Since the cross is a symbol of punishment and eventual death, Bible
Scholars explain that Jesus’ invitation means that we die to our own
selfish will, and choose God’s will in our lives. When we make
decisions that honor Him, and prioritize actions that will please Him,
we die to our own self-will one day at a time.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1
But since God fully understands our humanity, He also assures that
when we fail, we can always seek His forgiveness. Like the cross we
have to choose to carry on a day-to-day basis, we can also seek His
mercy every morning.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come
to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23
So how does this daily reset happen in our lives? Well, it takes place
when we come to the Lord in prayer and read and heed His words. When
we try our best to nurture a personal relationship with Him day after
day, we will discover the strength to align to His will, and be
assured of His loving mercy.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all
these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Apart from seeking Him, His mercy, and His likeness every day, the
Heavenly Father also encourages us to assure ourselves daily that the
difficulties that we will encounter will be resolved one day at a
time. In Matthew Chapter Six, Jesus even tells us that we should not
be anxious or worried about the future that lies ahead for our
Heavenly Father knows completely what we need, and will lovingly
provide for us.
“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
Resetting before the Lord daily will help us grow into Christlikeness
one day at a time, will give us the endurance to honor God in all our
choices, and will give us the assurance of mercy, and hope in holding
on to God’s promises.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Luke 9:23-27 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you need daily reassurance that God will
forgive you each time you falter in your quest to imitate Him.
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for renewing
your mercies every morning and your encouragement to us to take up our
crosses one day at a time. Give me the grace to follow in your
footsteps, and the strength of heart to pursue your will each time.
Amen.
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.” Psalm 68:19
