Today I am thankful that, some years ago, I learned to bookend my days with good thoughts and a few positive words from the Lord.

Instead of waking up with the news and and going to bed after the news, I decided to surround my day with songs, Bible verses, and heart-to-heart talks with God. Once I started making a conscious decision to begin and end my day with prayer, scripture, and inspirational songs, my perspectives changed.

I learned the value of: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 CSB

If you’re up for a positive perspective try this. Before you listen to the news of the world, listen to the God who created the world. When preparing to sleep, read something to calm your spirit and talk to God about your day. It’s like bookends holding your day together.

I found a verse that has become one of my favorites because of a bookend.
The Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3 :17

Think about it. God rejoices over you with joyful songs. You don’t have to do anything. He just does it.

Good morning! And may you establish bookends for your days that bring you peace, hope, and joy.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 CSB