BE PRESENT
"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."
Matthew 6:34 (NLT)
Anxiety is seemingly everywhere today. The American Psychological Association categorizes anxiety as a future-oriented emotion marked by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and sometimes, even physical changes like increased blood pressure. Simply stated, people are deeply concerned about the unknown and what is to come. Our social media fixation, coupled with a 24/7 news cycle, likely does nothing to alleviate these future-facing fears. If you're not careful, it's easy to spiral into a very negative head space.
These words from Jesus have been transformational for me as I consider the future. Yes—there are tons of negative outcomes that are possible for me, my loved ones, and the world in general. But there are also tons of opportunities for God to bless and demonstrate His grace. Instead of getting tied up in knots over what might happen, I choose to focus on today. Certainly, there are enough troubles to consider and conquer today!
I believe that come what may, God is still good. He is still sovereign. Hebrews 13:8 (NLT) says this: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
That means the same Jesus who conquered the grave two thousand years ago rules and reigns today. When He said all authority in heaven and on earth was His (Matthew 28:18), that was a promise we could find comfort in for all time. Nothing has ever caught Him off guard, and nothing ever will. He knows every detail of every day that you and I will ever experience. Simply stopping to reflect on this can be such a helpful step in combating anxiety over what's to come.
APPLICATION: What does God want you to know right now? Not necessarily about what's coming down the line but about where you're at right now. Ask God to help you trust Him for tomorrow and to focus on His faithfulness in the past and present.
PRAYER: Father, I'm thankful that You are trustworthy and sovereign. Because of who You are and what You've done, I can have peace in the face of trials and tribulations. Help my faith to grow in every season of my life. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?