God gives each of us this day to use however we choose. Of course, he wants us to make the best of it.

The Bible suggests how to make our day successful. Psalm 118:24 encourages us to express joy or gladness by saying, "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Paul also said in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always."

You see, the body responds positively to laughter and joy. Give your body a break and rejoice this day in spite of what it looks like. Remember, you could make a others’ lives and days better with a smile and kind word.

We are also encouraged to be thankful or express gratitude. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus."

Notice it said "in everything," not "for everything," because some things may come into our paths that are not so favorable. So we must learn to be content with such things as we have, for he himself (God) has said "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

Therefore, contentment plays a major part of successful days. Being content means a lack of complaining about any unpleasant situation and placing it in God’s hands.

We are also encouraged to be faithful. Hebrews 11 gives us a preview of the "hall of faith" of our spiritual forefathers. When we are faithful, we are loyal to the promises of God. We consider what his word says and know that we are covered by his promises.

Isaiah 54:17 says, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from me says the Lord."

So hold on to his promises and face this day knowing his word will be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, and even if you stumble, he has given you angels to keep you (Luke 4:10-11) in their hands. They shall bear you up lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Determine in your heart to be blessed and to bless someone else. Don’t let it be wasted on negative things for there are so many good things awaiting you as a child of God every day. Success comes through obedience to God, so there you have it. Have a blessed and successful day.

Edwards is the senior pastor of Agape Christian Fellowship Church and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.