The self-help groups didn’t invent one-day-at-a-time living. God did (Mt. 6:34; Jas 4:13-16). Once you start living in the present twenty-four hours (instead of in the unchangeable past or imaginary future), you realize it’s the only way to fly in life, that any other way is counterproductive.

I came to realize that, back at my Christian beginning, anyway. I wish I could say I never forget this truth, but the fact is, I need reminding even today.

Tomorrows and Yesterdays

The tomorrow I worry about is only a guess—and usually a wrong guess. Those tomorrows I worried about, back before I was reminded of Christ’s instruction not to worry: they never happened—none of them!

The past, its mistakes, losses, hurts, and failures lie behind me. They did happen. Still, though I can perhaps undo some of their damage, I can’t make them un-happen. I just need to learn what I can from them, and get on with the present leg of my journey (Ph 3:13-14).

Today’s Troubles… and Promises!

Jesus said each day’s particular trouble (KJV “evil”) gives us plenty to handle (Mt. 6:34). How (sadly) true! Evil erupts daily all over the world. Trouble jumps up and surprises me at unexpected moments. Earth’s every day is full of both “evils” people perpetrate, and the universal ongoing trials of life on a cursed planet, like disease, catastrophe, and loss of loved ones. Why heap tomorrow’s possible (imagined) troubles atop such an already heavy load?

God’s negative promises that “In this world you will have tribulation,” and that “Whoever [aims] to live righteous in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” bring us right back to the Sermon on the Mount, with its bottom-line instruction and accompanying positive promise: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” and He will “add to” us “all these things” we need. Isaiah 40:31 even expands that promise to say we will not just survive the difficulties, but rise above them and thrive!

So let us live today to the full, seeking God’s kingdom and trusting His provision, for every need of the day.

[When does God give those needed provisions? Often not a moment before we absolutely must have them. Trusting that they will indeed arrive at that last crucial moment: that’s were the faith test really kicks in. But hanging on in obedient trust at such a time produces faith’s biggest growth spurts, and results in rejoicing most exuberant… (More on this in an upcoming post.)]