DON’T WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW

Some of the most welcome phrases in life and certainly in recovery circles are, "One day at a time" or "Just for today."  These are principles that are meant to lighten the heavy burden we carry about our past actions and our unknown future so that it is more bearable for us to deal with today in a realistic way.  These sayings are ways to uphold and express the teaching of Jesus.

So don’t worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries.  (Matthew 6:34 ERV)

The above words can be found in the most famous record of Jesus' teaching called, "The Sermon on the Mount."  Jesus had just been speaking about some of the things we worry about – money, clothes, food etc. – and He encouraged His followers to believe that God cared for them and would provide for their needs.  Jesus used examples of birds and flowers to remind us of how much attention to detail we can expect from our gracious God. 

Instead of worrying, Jesus says we should seek God and His plan for each day and then do what God says.  If we do, we can trust God to take care of everything else.

What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.  (Matthew 6:33 ERV)

We are not encouraged to live in denial and bury our heads in the sand.  There are things we need to deal with each day and not all of them will be easy.  But, if we seek Him, God will meet our needs and at the end of the day we too will have examples of God’s faithful care and guidance to share. 

As we learn to live one day at a time, it is essential that we come to God with a willingness and intention to surrender our will and life to His care.  Because God knows best how to help us mature in our faith He may stretch us beyond our comfort zone in certain situations, but He will never give us more than we can handle.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Word tells me not to worry about my life or the things of tomorrow.  Forgive me for my lack of confidence in Your ability to work everything together for my good.   Please help me to deal with those things I can and make any necessary changes, and leave those things I cannot change in Your care.  Amen