We have a saying at our house--"Live your best life." Maybe you say it, too.
My mother-in-law, who has lived with us a number of years, was recently admitted to hospice. Struggles in the last couple of weeks have resulted in confusion and a disconnect between her body and mind. As she turns for help, we've started to say, "Mom, next you're going to do (whatever) and live your best life." There is comfort and hope in knowing that today I can experience God's best.
What does it mean to "live my best life?" It means
- I will take life as it comes. There are a lot of people and situations I can't control. That's okay. I can trust God to bring what He will and see me through. He sees and knows each one and He is with me.
- I will ask for God's help in each and every moment. Whether it's a breakfast choice, completing the laundry, or loving others, I will ask God for help realizing I can't do it on my own--and I don't want to.
- By God's grace, I will make wise, God-dependent choices in those things that are my responsibility. Each day has a multitude of decisions. Am I putting God first--acknowledging Him in all my ways? Am I loving others in thought, speech and conduct?
- I trust that God will provide and reward. He is the Giver of every good gift (James 1:17). Others may seek to harm me, but God has a bigger, better plan (Genesis 50:20, Jeremiah 29:11). I choose to believe God has "my best life" in mind, too.
- I will be grateful. Knowing I need God's help, asking for His help, and trusting His goodness will help me see Him throughout the day.
- Finally, living my best life today means recognizing that I will blow it. I will sin against God and others. Confessing my sin and asking forgiveness is the reality of life on earth.
May each of us, in the little and big moments of today, live our best life--to the glory of God.
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were born
Or You gave birth to the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
You turn mortals back into dust
And say, “Return, you sons of mankind.”
For a thousand years in Your sight
Are like yesterday when it passes by,
Or like a watch in the night.
You have swept them away like a flood, they fall asleep;
In the morning they are like grass that sprouts anew.
In the morning it flourishes and sprouts anew;
Toward evening it wilts and withers away.
For we have been consumed by Your anger,
And we have been terrified by Your wrath.
You have placed our guilty deeds before You,
Our hidden sins in the light of Your presence.
For all our days have dwindled away in Your fury;
We have finished our years like a sigh.
As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years,
Or if due to strength, eighty years,
Yet their pride is only trouble and tragedy;
For it quickly passes, and we disappear.
Who understands the power of Your anger
And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You?
So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
Do return, Lord; how long will it be?
And be sorry for Your servants.
Satisfy us in the morning with Your graciousness,
That we may sing for joy and rejoice all our days.
Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us,
And the years we have seen evil.
Let Your work appear to Your servants
And Your majesty to their children.
May the kindness of the Lord our God be upon us;
And confirm for us the work of our hands;
Yes, confirm the work of our hands. (Psalm 90 NASB)
