Sweeter Than The Day Before

There is a wonderful old chorus by Robert & Wendel Loveless that has been on my mind alot of late-

Every day with Jesus

Is sweeter than the day before

Every day with Jesus

I love Him more and more,

Jesus saves and keeps me

And He’s the One I’m waiting for;

Every day with Jesus

Is sweeter than the day before.

I am thankful for the life God has given me. For those who are in my life. Next to His gift of salvation by grace through Jesus Christ, Elaine is the greatest gift I have ever received. My family, both those who are with Jesus now and those who are here today. I can honestly and enthusiastically say I am blessed.

As I spoke to a young pastor today, it was a blessing to encourage him. They are going through some exciting but uncharted times in their life. God is working and guiding them very directly. Yet, there are the challenges that come simply from life. I mean, can I get an amen? Not everything goes the way we would like it to every day.

Yet we can always know that when we are in His will and doing the things He has directed us to do, no matter what happens, He has got it. I was reminded of the wonderful Bible teacher and expositor Dr. T.W. Hunt and the study "The Disciples Prayer Life". This was one of the most important studies I have ever done. It taught me so much about prayer but also about how God handles the affairs of your lives.

Dr. Hunt told the story of he and his wife travelling to a speaking engagement. He had prayed and God had led him to accept the engagement. He knew that he had to be there as God led him. While on their way, they had a problem with the car. They were towed to a shop in the next town. The mechanic determined what the problem was, and what the part would be to fix the car. However, the part was in another city and could not be delivered until the next day. Dr. Hunt told the mechanic that God had said he needed to be at the speaking engagement that evening. If the part could not be delivered, then the mechanic would have to go get it and bring it back and install it that day. His clear reasoning was that if God told him that he needed to speak then God could and would provide whatever was necessary for them to get to their destination. Yes, they went and got the part. Yes, they installed it that day. Yes, Dr. and Mrs. Hunt arrived in time for him to speak. God will make a way.

God will make a way, when there seems to be no way. That observation of Don Moen was used when he wrote the song “God Will Make a Way”. I often think of that wonderful song because it reminds me that God is in control. We don’t know and often don’t understand. Yet, we can know that God has it all in His hands.

This idea and thought have been prevalent in situations I have been familiar with recently. Pastors, who are following God’s direction, and yet things happen that seem to make them to maybe question is God in this or not. Friends, and even one right now who is having to have surgery to fix a broken bone from a recent fall. The one who is dealing with a cancer issue that will require great faith and trust in God. In each and every case, we can know and find peace in it that God has it. A friend I reached out to yesterday dealing with a major medical issue reminded me as I encouraged them that “God’s got this”. He sure does and there is no one else who can, but Him.

Earlier today I was in the Word and reading in Ecclesiastes. As I read and reflect on it, there are three things found in it that are of such significance and importance for us.

Ecclesiastes 1:2: “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

That pretty much sums up life right there and can allow for us to enjoy the day He gives us. A day is both fleeting and meaningful when lived with reverence for God. My hope for you this day is that you take that simple truth and as His Word reminds us in Psalm 118:24-

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

In God’s Grace,

Elbert Nasworthy