Living One Day At A Time (5)

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NKJV)

Living one day at a time is a discipline we all have to focus on to live well. What strategies help me stay in the present? How do I move from simply "existing" in the present to really "living with joy"? What role does God have to play in helping me live in the present? What do I have to keep doing if I want to have peace and joy in my life today?

It is easy to slide into worrying about tomorrow, dwelling on the "what ifs" and the "if onlys".  Each day brings with it a host of things we cannot change.  We face the continual reality of circumstances beyond our control.  There is also the reality of who we are -- human beings confined within the slice of time we call today.  It is tempting to deny the present, but escaping reality is part of the insanity of our addictive way of life. God will take care of all our yesterdays and all of our tomorrows.  We simply need to live one day at a time. 

Jesus once said, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.”  (Matthew 6:25, 33-34 NKJV) 

We need to frequently ask ourselves, "Am I accepting this present moment, or am I pretending – am I trying to escape into the past or the future?"  Each day will bring something to find joy in and God’s strength is promised for any troubles we may encounter.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV)

Since God's grace comes in daily doses, we can be sure that “one day at a time” is the best way to face life.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NKJV)  

We will find joy, strength, and sanity when we choose to accept today's realities with the help of our faithful God.

©2015 Partners in Hope