Day By Day
…as your days, so shall your strength be.
Deuteronomy 33:25b
Maybe it’s the cloudiness and chill of winter that put a damper on my spirit. Perhaps it’s Round 2 of the sniffles and sore throat (for both Gwen and me!) that add an achiness to my body. Then again, it could be all the negativity in the news that never seems to end.
But lately, I’ve found myself going through a season of the “blahs.” No, I’m not depressed. And, no, I’m not discouraged. Yet it seems like, recently, each day is so…well, so “daily.”
It’s a function of fulfilling responsibilities, attending meetings, and grappling with disappointments – of which I had a fistful last week.
But hasn’t it always been that way in the pilgrimage of faith?
By way of example, consider the long, arduous journey of the Israelites through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land.
To be sure, there were miraculous moments: the parting of the Red Sea, water from a rock, the receiving of the Ten Commandments. Calendar circling occasions without a doubt!
However, in between these riveting moments, life was “daily.” In fact, even the supernatural gift of manna from above eventually got wearisome.
Yet, as they made their way forward…day by day…week by week…and month by month, little by little their character was forged and their faith was strengthened.
God was at work in them though they might not have been able to see it. Even in the monotony of the day-to-day their progress was not only being monitored, it was being made.
Eugene Peterson calls this dogged plodding, “a long obedience in the same direction.” It’s a commitment to keep on keeping on, even in the mundane.
The words of an old hymn seem appropriate to this. Some of you might remember singing it.
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Note that line, “gives unto each day what He deems best.” It may be a “red-letter day” filled with memorable moments. Then again, it may be an ordinary day which seems so mind-numbing.
Either way, remember that He is in fact at work. Your pilgrimage is very important to Him. And, in the end, when you reach your destination, you’ll see that it took all of those days to get you there.
Devotionals for Every Day Disciples is brought to you by our partners.
To support Dave DeSelm Ministries by becoming a partner, CLICK HERE.