Recently, I have been trying to read from Jesus Day by Day by my friend Beth Moore. There are two reasons why I want to have this daily walk. One, because during this journey I have found that I want to find out all I can about this man, Jesus, who came to save the world, heal the afflicted, and put joy into our hearts. I need joy every day! Two, because He walks beside me every moment of the day, and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to hear what He has to say.
When I was growing up, I remember hearing my mother singing a song called Day By Day. Years later, during the hippie generation and when Godspell was performed on stage, there was also a newer song of the same title, but I am referring to the hymn. When my mother was not performing anymore, health declining, and seeking to find God’s purpose for her daily walk with Him, she would often break out in song. This is one of the ones she would sing. I find that today it is a hymn that speaks clear and concise about my daily dealing with God the Father and God the Son. The Father God watches over me, comforting me, and God the Son understands my weaknesses when I falter and let my spirit be overcome with despair.
DAY BY DAY (Hymn)
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
Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That, I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.
But, I cannot end here, because my mind also goes back to the Godspell song Day By Day, because as a minister all these years this is what the Lord laid on my heart:
DAY BY DAY (Godspell)
Day by day, oh, dear Lord, three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly, day by day
My prayer today is that we seek Him more clearly than ever today! Blessings as you love Him by following His footsteps day by day.