This morning, I thanked God for this new day. I really needed a new day because yesterday was so weird. It was a continuous day of everything going wrong. Have you ever had one of those days?

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

– Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV)

Focus on Today

God has been teaching me to focus on today. Don’t worry about yesterday or tomorrow. Instead, keep your efforts on what is needed now.

As a person that has always planned and set goals, this has been one of the hardest changes for me. And I am still learning. It has felt like intense training for over 3 years (since leaving my full-time job).

I have been doing much better about focusing on today. But I struggle with not planning for tomorrow (or months down the road). In fact, as I write this blog, I am in a 100-day fast for no new projects. God knew this would be critical at this part of my journey, too, because there are so many uncertainties on the horizon.

Quit Planning and Seek God’s Plan

Having the 100 days of no new projects has prevented me from wasting many hours and days trying to “fill in the blanks” with my own plans. Instead, I have been able to be still and listen to God.

It can be hard not knowing what is ahead. It’s like being in the ocean without any landmarks or navigation tools. But what is amazing about having the Holy Spirit is you always have a navigator.

You don’t have to see what is on the horizon to know where to go. Follow God. You only need Him to guide you.

Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring forth.

– Proverbs 27:1 (NKJV)

In one of our SAPPy thoughts icebreaker videos, Bill and I talk about our favorite vacations which included a discussion about our planning skills. I used to be a big planner, years in advance. But as each year goes by, the less my plans work and the more I seek God’s plan for me.

Put God First

Whatever you do, put God first and He will get you where you need to be. You don’t need a new year for a new beginning. Every sunrise is a new beginning.

Each day, I face my own struggles. You face struggles, too. Some are darker than others and harder to get through. But God is always with you.

There are times where I feel I have failed. That I didn’t do what God put on my heart to accomplish. Or that I am way behind on where I should be. Satan will always try to put these condemning thoughts in your mind. However, our God is so much greater!

Even when we are pursuing God’s plan, things still don’t go as we think they should or hoped they would. But God is all-knowing (i.e., omniscient) and has the perfect timing.

Keep God first in your life every day!

Jesus Is the Light

Every sunrise is the light for a new day. Jesus is the light of this world, and you will never be in darkness if you follow Him (John 8:12). Let every sunrise remind you that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Try and try again. God’s got you, forever and ever.

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord, for giving me this day. I trust You today and every day. Guide my steps to Your Will. I seek Your wisdom as I fulfill my purpose. I trust Your plan which is best for me. Thank You for Your faithfulness and mercy. I love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Learn more in our podcast episode, SAPPy thoughts, Every Sunrise Is a New Beginning.

Every Sunrise Is a New Beginning

In this episode, Bill & Jessica Sapp discuss about making each day a new beginning. They give some of their experiences with failure, daily struggles, and life lessons.  Listen to learn more about living in God’s mercy every day.

Dr. Jessica Sapp worked in the health industry for twenty years before focusing on writing and teaching others how to achieve their authentic quality of life. She is the author of various books including Your Healthcare Job Hunt: How Your Digital Presence Can Make or Break Your Career, Psalm 100: The Perfect Chapter, and The Authentic You.

Jessica earned her DrPH in Health Policy and Management at Georgia Southern University and her MPH in Health Promotion, Education and Behavior at the University of South Carolina. She also has a BS in Health Science Education from the University of Florida. With her husband, Jessica is the founder of Surf 8 Christians.