This Is the Day: 365 Daily Devotions

By BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

This is the day the Lord has made.


We will rejoice and be glad in it.


Psalm 118:24 NLT


 


Some days are rough. The circumstances of life can be overwhelming, frustrating, or discouraging. Perhaps you're wondering how this could possibly be a day to rejoice in. Shift your focus a little. What were you doing two hundred years ago? Absolutely nothing. You had never seen the sun, known love or friendship, breathed in the winter air, eaten a delicious meal, or laughed until your sides hurt. You didn't know about any of these things because you didn't exist. But now, by God's grace, you do, and your life is precious. Every single day bears an opportunity to be glad.


As you reflect on these devotional entries, Scriptures, and prayers, thank God for giving you another day to live, laugh, and love. He created time; each moment representing a testimony to his goodness. Find an abundance of joy, hope, peace, and strength as you walk through the day with God at your side.


 


This is a day to rejoice and be glad.


 


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• Language: English
• Publisher: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Release date: Apr 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781424565818

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

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BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.

Savage, Minnesota, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

this is the day

© 2023 by BroadStreet Publishing®

9781424565801

9781424565818 (eBook)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked CSB are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NCV are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked TPT are taken from The Passion Translation® of the Holy Bible. Copyright © 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing®. All rights reserved.

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Contents

January

January 1: Fresh and New

January 2: Just Pray

January 3: Show Me Your Glory

January 4: The Giver of Good Gifts

January 5: Ask Anything

January 6: Cry Like a Baby

January 7: A Safe Place

January 8: Wonderful Counselor

January 9: Lifetime Guarantee

January 10: Twirling with Joy

January 11: Truly Awesome

January 12: Only for You

January 13: Be Healed

January 14: All Comfort

January 15: Beyond Your Sight

January 16: I Want to Yearn

January 17: Better than Life

January 18: Make My Day

January 19: His

January 20: Laid Low

January 21: Your Ways

January 22: Season of Suffering

January 23: The Gift in the Struggle

January 24: The Path to Peace

January 25: Get Wise

January 26: Rock Solid

January 27: The Me You See

January 28: So Much Love

January 29: The Best

January 30: You Are Gifted

January 31: A Greater Work

February

February 1: Sweep My Heart

February 2: Give Him Your Worry

February 3: Claim Your Peace

February 4: Sight Unseen

February 5: Seek to Do Good

February 6: Yes Please

February 7: More than Gold

February 8: Hot Mess

February 9: In His Light

February 10: Worth It

February 11: Heart Directions

February 12: He Will Be Found

February 13: Free to Rest

February 14: Speaking Truth

February 15: Keep Going

February 16: The Eternal You

February 17: Consider His Hand

February 18: As You Will

February 19: Go to the Garden

February 20: A Guarded Heart

February 21: Hesitant

February 22: A Humble Heart

February 23: Grounded

February 24: Steadfast Wisdom

February 25: Join Together

February 26: Never Alone

February 27: Lovely and Pure

February 28: Our Rock

March

March 1: Mighty God

March 2: No Greater Love

March 3: Courageous

March 4: United as One

March 5: Hate Evil

March 6: Everlasting Love

March 7: Keep Calm

March 8: Delightful

March 9: Don’t Panic

March 10: Eternal Gift

March 11: Example of Love

March 12: Hope in His Word

March 13: Not a Quitter

March 14: Thrill of the Hunt

March 15: Abundant Rain

March 16: Rest Easy

March 17: You Don’t Have to Fight

March 18: Faithful without Fail

March 19: His Love Song

March 20: Intimate Friendship

March 21: Shout His Goodness

March 22: The Best Outfit

March 23: Growing Trust

March 24: Ask Confidently

March 25: Wildest Dreams

March 26: Victory over Struggles

March 27: Effortlessly Good

March 28: Stand Your Ground

March 29: You Can Always Pray

March 30: Your Thought Life

March 31: Time of Day

April

April 1: Made Whole

April 2: Worth Worrying About

April 3: Light of Love

April 4: No Need to Fear

April 5: Stepping Out

April 6: Faithful in Prayer

April 7: Praise Him

April 8: No Grudges

April 9: Much Stronger

April 10: Working with Joy

April 11: The Rock

April 12: Prone to Wander

April 13: Great Bonus

April 14: Refreshment Source

April 15: Nothing Hidden

April 16: Intimately Fashioned

April 17: Search and Find

April 18: A Beautiful Sound

April 19: Living Abundantly

April 20: Agape Love

April 21: Feast of Love

April 22: Place Your Hope in God

April 23: Crowned with Love

April 24: Forgotten Failure

April 25: A Peaceful Place

April 26: Quiet Beauty

April 27: Joy Is a Choice

April 28: Lasting Comfort

April 29: More than Seasonal Compassion

April 30: Deepest Contentment

May

May 1: Not Against Us

May 2: In the Darkness

May 3: The Lifeline

May 4: White as Wool

May 5: Set Free!

May 6: Friends in the Fight

May 7: A Beautiful Day

May 8: Glorious Cycle

May 9: Full of Guidance

May 10: All Promises Kept

May 11: Passions Become Weapons

May 12: Joy Always

May 13: Love Definition

May 14: Nothing Wrong

May 15: One Step at a Time

May 16: Sacrifice of Praise

May 17: He Cannot Lie

May 18: A Perfect Path

May 19: Salvation through Humility

May 20: Thirst Satisfied

May 21: No Comparison

May 22: Rich Rewards

May 23: The Way to Victory

May 24: Consumed?

May 25: Joyfully Wait

May 26: Inseparable

May 27: Setting My Affection

May 28: Intelligent Love

May 29: He Likes to Be Thanked

May 30: God Sings

May 31: The One You Worship

June

June 1: Wiser than You

June 2: Precious, Honored, Loved

June 3: Lift My Heavy Heart

June 4: Not Home Yet

June 5: Image Bearer

June 6: Facial Expressions

June 7: Inward Renewal

June 8: Delayed Obedience

June 9: Betrayed with a Kiss

June 10: Little Offerings

June 11: Simply Gentle

June 12: Where You Walk

June 13: Hiding His Word

June 14: A Dull Heart

June 15: Meditation

June 16: Open My Eyes

June 17: My Counselors

June 18: He Remembers

June 19: Okay to Be Weak

June 20: It Is Finished

June 21: Fueled by Love

June 22: Fear Not

June 23: The Story Isn’t Finished

June 24: Labels

June 25: Quick Fix

June 26: Help Me Remember

June 27: You Can’t Control the Rain

June 28: Limitations

June 29: Reward of Perseverance

June 30: Don’t Quit

July

July 1: Past, Present, Future

July 2: A Full Life

July 3: A Guarded Mind

July 4: Promise of Freedom

July 5: Lifelong Slavery

July 6: Inseparable

July 7: Steady Love

July 8: Rules, Rules, Rules

July 9: Rooted and Established

July 10: Much Better

July 11: After Sin

July 12: Get a Glimpse

July 13: Thoughts on Beauty

July 14: A Willing Heart

July 15: Cultivating Kindness

July 16: Really Rich

July 17: No Surprises

July 18: Help Me Get Dressed

July 19: Ready to Forgive

July 20: Rejoice

July 21: Consider the Sparrows

July 22: Seeing Past Me

July 23: Our Creator

July 24: Praise the Lord

July 25: Tug-of-War

July 26: Ransomed

July 27: Stop It

July 28: The Ancient Path

July 29: The Do-Over

July 30: Two Are Better

July 31: The Greatest Commandment

August

August 1: God’s Promises

August 2: Transferred and Transformed

August 3: A Broken Heart

August 4: Faith without Sight

August 5: Blind Trust

August 6: Contented Strength

August 7: Deer Feet

August 8: Fix Your Thoughts

August 9: Forgetting

August 10: Forgiveness

August 11: Temptation

August 12: Chosen by God

August 13: He Is Enough

August 14: He Understands

August 15: Hope in God

August 16: In His Image

August 17: My Guide

August 18: Put on Your Belt

August 19: Slipping

August 20: God of All Comfort

August 21: Wait for the Lord

August 22: Beauty Measured

August 23: Don’t Just Sit There

August 24: Heavy Baggage

August 25: In Need of Grace

August 26: Open Arms

August 27: Falling Blessings

August 28: Mr. Fix It

August 29: For the Sake of Others

August 30: No Longer Slaves

August 31: Surrounded by Gifts

September

September 1: Breathe Again

September 2: Prioritizing Relationship

September 3: My Healer

September 4: Weapon against Doubt

September 5: Increased Measure of Faith

September 6: Difficult to Love

September 7: Need for Courage

September 8: Don’t Be Afraid

September 9: Broken Promises

September 10: Easing Heartache

September 11: Of Zero Value

September 12: God’s Love

September 13: Doing Good

September 14: Light in the Darkness

September 15: The Most Inspiring

September 16: Need for Friendship

September 17: No Conditions

September 18: Loved through Loss

September 19: Absolute Certainty

September 20: A Beautiful Gift

September 21: He Is Strong

September 22: Sweet Relief

September 23: A Clean Slate

September 24: List of Needs

September 25: Faithful Friend

September 26: Desperate for a Savior

September 27: Met in Grief

September 28: Temporary Struggles

September 29: Never Left

September 30: The Gateway to Life

October

October 1: Courage beyond Capacity

October 2: Never Hopeless

October 3: I Am Enough

October 4: Life-Giving Joy

October 5: Love Completely

October 6: Insatiable Monster

October 7: The Burden of Worry

October 8: Learned Thankfulness

October 9: Our Example of Compassion

October 10: Praise Always

October 11: The Lord’s Delight

October 12: Promises Fulfilled

October 13: Victory over Sin

October 14: Wasted Worry

October 15: Next

October 16: The Inspiring Word

October 17: The Last Leg

October 18: Like None Other

October 19: Created for a Purpose

October 20: Free to Live

October 21: The Yes To

October 22: Make a Change

October 23: He Cares Uniquely

October 24: Weight of Worry

October 25: Compassion Never Ceases

October 26: Good and Perfect

October 27: Truly Awesome

October 28: No Darkness

October 29: Just Say No

October 30: Real Love

October 31: Sing

November

November 1: The Struggle Will End

November 2: Continue in Christ

November 3: Satisfied

November 4: Chased by Grace

November 5: Provision for the Generous

November 6: He Rejoices over You

November 7: The Many Wonders of God

November 8: Radiant Reflection

November 9: Continual Praise

November 10: The Good Father

November 11: Gracious

November 12: Understand and Accept

November 13: The Goodness in Waiting

November 14: In the Light

November 15: Best Day Ever

November 16: As I Should Be

November 17: Buried Talents

November 18: Thorns

November 19: Bloom Where You Are Planted

November 20: Starting Over

November 21: Found Delightful

November 22: Stronghold

November 23: Worthy

November 24: Father Knows Best

November 25: Stored Goodness

November 26: Water of Life

November 27: False Expectations

November 28: Leveling Up

November 29: Guided

November 30: Trustworthy

December

December 1: Rocks Don’t Change

December 2: His Purpose for You

December 3: Just Because

December 4: An Incomprehensible Gift

December 5: Tell Your Story

December 6: Now I Am Found

December 7: Lifted and Loved

December 8: Debt of Love

December 9: A Patient Promise

December 10: Convinced of Love

December 11: Returned Love

December 12: His Riches

December 13: True Love

December 14: Totally Committed

December 15: Abiding Love

December 16: Steadfast Love

December 17: Your Eyes Will See

December 18: Unhindered

December 19: Found in a Desert

December 20: Collected Tears

December 21: Peace in the Eternal Gift

December 22: The Love-Joy Life

December 23: Charity

December 24: He Teaches Me Acceptance

December 25: Boldly Proclaim

December 26: He Delights in You

December 27: Dressed for the Weather

December 28: Undeserved Gifts

December 29: Eternally Blessed

December 30: Origin of Strength

December 31: Load of Anxiety

Introduction

Some days are rough. The circumstances of life can be overwhelming, frustrating, or discouraging. Perhaps you’re wondering how this could possibly be a day to rejoice in. Shift your focus a little. What were you doing two hundred years ago? Absolutely nothing. You had never seen the sun, known love or friendship, breathed in the winter air, eaten a delicious meal, or laughed until your sides hurt. You didn’t know about any of these things because you didn’t exist. But now, by God’s grace, you do, and your life is precious. Every single day bears an opportunity to be glad.

As you reflect on these devotional entries, Scriptures, and prayers, thank God for giving you another day to live, laugh, and love. He created time; each moment representing a testimony to his goodness. Find an abundance of joy, hope, peace, and strength as you walk through the day with God at your side.

This is the day to rejoice and be glad.

JANUARY 1

Fresh and New

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 NIV

When we accept Christ as our Savior, we get to start over, as if from scratch. Our old, ugly lives and selfish ways are forgotten, and we are brand new. Oh goodness, aren’t you thankful for it? We all have plenty of days we could happily erase: memories of bad choices we made and poor decisions followed through.

Every day, we get to stand before our King and hold our heads up high, knowing we are forgiven and clean. There’s no checklist of our sins and faults, no remembering the worst of our mistakes. Instead, there is the tender love of our Father’s heart, flowing down in abundance upon us, making us new.

Lord, I’m once again in awe of the depth of your love for me. Thank you for the gift of forgiveness and for making me fresh and new.

JANUARY 2

Just Pray

He will pray to God, and God will delight in him. That person will see his face with a shout of joy, and God will restore his righteousness to him.

JOB 33:26 CSB

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by expectations. We want to fit in, to belong, but the formula is constantly changing, and it’s hard to know whose standards we should shoot for: family, work, friends, society, social media…who decides what’s acceptable?

Look carefully at the verse. What must we do in order to be accepted by God? Must we have our acts together, our sinful habits conquered, our church attendance perfect? No. Just pray. We pray to God, and he welcomes us in. Scrubbed and shiny or worse for wear, it’s all the same to him. He sees you, he hears you, and he invites you into his joyful presence.

Father, help me to remember yours is the standard of acceptance that matters most, and that just by praying I’ve already met it. Thank you for loving me as I am.

JANUARY 3

Show Me Your Glory

The LORD said to Moses, I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name. And he said, Please, show me Your glory.

EXODUS 33:17-18 NKJV

The sky is gray. Rain is falling, and your hair is just not happening. Last night’s dishes clutter the sink, and a mountain of mail covers the counter. Everywhere you look, beauty seems to be taking a break.

Close your eyes. Say his name. Jesus. Now open them, and look again. See that little spot of blue sky, that single ray of light sneaking through the clouds? Notice the water drops resting on the hostas. Remember the tasty meal that created the mess. The mail may still be jumbled, and your hair may still be doing its own thing, but beauty is here, always, just one sweet word away. Jesus. Let his glory inform your sight.

Lord, when I focus on you, when I say your name, I can’t help but see beauty all around me. Thank you for the surprise and delight of discovering beauty in unexpected places.

JANUARY 4

The Giver of Good Gifts

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

JAMES 1:17 NASB

Count your blessings. It’s become a phrase we throw around so often, it may have lost its meaning. But seriously, have you ever done it? Where do we begin? According to this verse in the book of James, every good thing in our lives is a blessing. Every good thing. Ready? Go.

Maybe today is one of those days, and you’re having trouble getting started. Your home, work, and social life all seem more like burdens than blessings. It’s okay. Just begin here, with the greatest blessing of them all:

Father, you are the giver of good gifts. Even on the days I can’t see any good, I can still see you. I always have my Father in heaven, unchanging, sending down blessings like rays of light.

JANUARY 5

Ask Anything

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

1 JOHN 5:14-15 NIV

Think of a time you wanted something, maybe from a parent or your boss, but you were afraid to ask. Why were you afraid? Perhaps you feared you didn’t deserve it. Or possibly, you wanted it, but you also knew it wasn’t necessarily good for you. Whether you’re an adult asking for a day off work or a teenager asking for permission to stretch a curfew, it can be difficult to ask boldly for what you want, especially if you’re not entirely certain you should have it.

Take heart in these words from 1 John, and know that when you place your relationship with God as your top priority, you can ask him for anything. Anything! When we most desire to be in his will, he gladly grants our other requests.

God, you are my deepest desire. Knowing I can come to you with my needs, my dreams, and my unspoken longings brings comfort to my soul. Boldly, I lay my requests at your feet. I know the answer will be just what I need.

JANUARY 6

Cry Like a Baby

As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice.

ISAIAH 66:13-14 ESV

Few images are more peaceful than that of a mother sweetly comforting her child. Imagine the tenderness of her embrace and the gentleness of her voice. This is the picture God gave Isaiah to explain how he comforts us when we let him. So let him. Give up the struggle, and let him.

It’s okay to cry like a baby. It’s okay to just close your eyes and snuggle into his arms. He wants you there! Listen to the sound of his voice; listen to how much he loves you. Fall in with his gentle sway, and let him fill you with his joy.

Father, I need you. I need you to hold me and love me and tell me everything’s going to be okay. Help me settle into your embrace, to stop struggling. Whisper in my ear, I’ve got you, dear one. I’ve got you.

JANUARY 7

A Safe Place

My God is my rock. I can run to him for safety. He is my shield and my saving strength, my defender and my place of safety. The LORD saves me from those who want to harm me.

2 SAMUEL 22:3 NCV

In some seasons of life, the attacks seem to come from all sides. Just as we find shelter from the arrows in the east, the spears arrive from the north. When the Old Testament was written, these battles were literal: the arrows were actual arrows.

Today, the arrows look more like bank statements, work pressures, and ailing parents, but our source of refuge is the very same. God is your safe place. When you run to him, he is always there; he will defend, protect, and deliver you from whatever you face. His deliverance may not look like you imagine, but if you trust him, it will come.

My God, you are my rock. You are my safety, my best defense, and my only salvation. I stand on your promise, I rest in your love, and I wait for your deliverance.

JANUARY 8

Wonderful Counselor

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

PSALM 16:11 ESV

In high school, we wonder what to do with our lives—what college to attend, what area of study to pursue, and even which of our friendships are building us up. The guidance counselor is just down the hall. The door is usually open and advice is wisely dispensed. We leave feeling lighter, more certain about our next move. The process is pretty simple.

Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit, a wonderful counselor. When we take our questions to him, he not only shines the light on our next steps, he does something more: he fills us with joy. When the Lord guides the way, we move confidently, joyfully, from one