We often hear these words as we part from friends or from places of business. What does it take to have a really good day? Would it be a day without trouble and conflict, a day when everyone would treat us just right?
Many years ago the common words on parting were “God be with ye.” As time went by this became shortened to “goodbye,” and the meaning was lost. However, the fact remains that the only way to truly “have a good day” is to spend it with God.
God is eternal, all-knowing, and almighty. He has revealed Himself to us through his Son Jesus Christ and through his Word, the Bible. He cares about the entire human race and wants us to know the love He has for everyone (Revelation 22:17; John 3:16).
Jesus said, “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). To be born again means to surrender our life to Jesus, who died for our sins. We become converted to a new life, characterized by purity, honesty, and temperance. God wants his children to portray the loving Spirit of Jesus and to live in peace and kindness with their fellow men. They will honor God in all they do and recognize and follow the Lord’s direction in all areas of their lives.
This gospel is for anyone who comes to God with a humble and broken heart (Psalm 51:17). God will come into his heart and abide with him. Those who have found this faith in God will want to join in a fellowship of believers that will unite them in brotherly love (Ephesians 4:4-5; Acts 2:46-47).
O happy day that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Saviour and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.
Happy day, happy day,
When Jesus washed my sins away;
He taught me how to watch and pray,
And live rejoicing every day
Happy day, happy day,
When Jesus washed my sins away.
Philip Doddridge
Have you experienced such a “happy day” that the poet speaks of? It is the will of God and the earnest desire of all true Christians that everyone should be born again and experience the joy of salvation every day (Psalm 144:9-15).
In walking day by day with our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will have peace and joy no earthly trials can destroy. Better still, we will be able to look forward to eternal bliss in heaven with our Savior (John 14:2-3). With Jesus at our side, we can truly HAVE A GOOD DAY!