Daily Accounted For
A day well-lived is not judged at its end but settled in step-by-step communion with Christ.
“He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.” — John 8:29 BSB
A.B. Simpson draws our hearts toward the simple yet astounding peace that comes from walking in step with the Father, as Jesus did. He reflects on the value of keeping "short accounts with God"—not as a legalistic ritual, but as a lifestyle of transparent, intimate fellowship. The verse from Romans about giving an account of ourselves to God becomes a daily invitation rather than a final reckoning. Imagine each day ending with no burdens carried forward, no regrets left unresolved, because we’ve continually lived in the light, moment by moment, trusting the indwelling Christ to express His life through us.
Simpson calls this the “true way to live,” and links it to an ongoing readiness—not born of striving, but of settled rest. When we walk in union with Christ, our daily “accounts” are not a list of failures and attempts to earn favor, but a joyful acknowledgment of His presence and pleasure. The final judgment loses its sting because it has already been satisfied in Christ. All that remains is the eager expectation of hearing, “Well done,” not due to our efforts, but because Christ has lived His life through us, and we simply trusted Him step by step.
The closing poem captures that abiding spirit beautifully. There is no need to leap to spiritual heights by human effort. Christ carries us, step by step, as we walk in His footprints, not ahead of Him, not behind—just with Him.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
Child, I am not far from you—I am in you. Just as the Father never left the Son alone, so I never leave you. You have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in Me. In Him you live and move and have your being, and I am your peace. You are not waiting for judgment; you have already passed from death into life. I have sealed you with My presence and bore witness with your spirit that you are Mine.
There is no need to look behind or ahead with anxiety. Each day is a gift for communion, not condemnation. When you walk by the Spirit, you do not gratify the desires of the flesh, and My fruit flows from you without strain. I search your heart and know you completely, and even when you falter, I intercede for you with groans too deep for words.
As you lay your head down at night, rest in the confidence that I have kept your account clean—not because of your perfect performance, but because of Christ’s perfect righteousness. You are walking in the light, and in this light, our fellowship remains unbroken. You are free—truly free—not to prove yourself, but to live in joy and in love, because it is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you.
Verses: John 8:29, Colossians 3:3, Acts 17:28, Romans 5:1, John 5:24, Romans 8:16, Galatians 5:16, Romans 8:27, 1 John 1:7, Galatians 2:20
Prayer
Father, thank You that I don’t need to strive to maintain peace with You—it is already mine in Christ. I trust You to live Your life through me today, and I rest knowing that Your Spirit keeps my account daily—not by my own review, but by Your grace that flows moment by moment. I don’t need to fear the future or dwell in the past. Every breath is already secure in Your love. I am Yours, and I rejoice that You are pleased to dwell in me.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Devotional Credit: Days of Heaven on Earth by A.B. Simpson