Day for Diligence

"Thou hast commanded us to keep Thy precepts diligently" (Psalm 119:4).  "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth... My son, be wise, and make My heart glad... Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks" (Proverbs 27:1,11,23). 

There is a day for diligence

(Beware!  It quickly slips away!)

When God calls for obedience: 

That day is simply called "today."

There is a day that may not come,

So from its time we neither borrow

Nor add one moment to its sum;

That day is simply called "tomorrow."

The day for diligence is now

In which God calls us to be wise

With counsel that will show us how

To be found pleasing in His eyes. 

He calls us to be diligent

To know the state of flocks we feed. 

It is the Lord we represent

Who will provide the grace we need. 

How quickly days are passing by

As we approach eternity!   

May we redeem them as they fly

With diligence before they flee.

O Lord, as we recall Your love

That made You suffer in our place,

Our hearts are drawn to You above,

The Author of our saving grace.

So we are prompted, Lord, to live

To please You, not for tedious duty,  

For all due diligence we give

Is motivated by Your beauty.

The day for diligence, O Lord,

Is in the present, serving You. 

Your gladness shall be our reward,

The highest calling we pursue.