Our thoughts often shift between yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The disappointments of yesterday frequently overlap with those of today, particularly when we experience feelings of loss, unforgiveness, or regret. In the same way, our worries about tomorrow can intertwine with our current emotions during times of anxiety, fear, or frustration. So, how can we concentrate our thoughts on the present moment?
Live One Day at a Time. This means focusing on prayer, planning, and living in the present moment. It’s important to make good use of today. What needs to be accomplished? My family needs to eat, have clean clothes, and get to their activities.
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For the Day of Trouble. During weather emergencies, our attention becomes consumed by the immediate situation, causing us to focus solely on today. In southern California, numerous fires have been burning for several days, leading to evacuations of residents, closures of many businesses, and power outages in various areas. Tragically, many individuals have lost their homes and businesses. In times like these, all we can think about is the present moment.
Matthew 6:34 ESV Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Normally, I focus on the “Do not worry about tomorrow” part of the verse, but I’m struck today by the latter part, which says, “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Yes, I believe today has enough trouble all by itself. Pray, Plan, and live today. But wait, there’s more.
Live today with the hope of tomorrow.
Yes, reader, we must live today with hope for tomorrow. If we were to act as if today were the last day of our lives, it might actually be counterproductive, as we would still be surrounded by unresolved problems. Personally, I would find myself trying to make up for past regrets or rushing to accomplish things I think are more important than today’s tasks and relationships, leading to feelings of worry and anxiety. Do you see how that works?
Accept who we are and where we are, even if it’s not where we want to be. Don’t dwell on the past hurts and trials, nor worry about the future.
Why? Because…
This is a new day and a new year. God wants us to feel secure in today while finding joy in each moment. Remember to acknowledge the good things every day and write them down. There is enough for you to enjoy each and every day. Move forward with confidence. Just like wildflowers, which bloom for a single day, we should appreciate the beauty of today because it may be gone tomorrow. Embrace the beauty of this moment!
Praying for Today
Praying about today is One way to keep our thoughts in today. God is in today. He can send answers to today’s problems, and you’ll get to see Him work today. So, what are you going to pray about today?
Here is my prayer and maybe you will want this as part of your own. Then of course add to it your own thought and concerns.
Dear Jesus, I love and worship You. I want to walk in Your ways and hold fast to You.
Please guide me toward what is essential today, as I often get distracted by the smallest interruptions. Grant me a sound mind to process what needs to be done and to remember my responsibilities.
I pray for good health. Remind me of the things I enjoy that are actually healthy for me, and help me to stay away from unhealthy and addictive foods. I ask for peaceful sleep tonight; help me to go to bed on time and get restful, uninterrupted sleep.
I also pray for my relationships, that I may be a thoughtful daughter, wife, mother, sister, and niece. May we grow in unity, love, and care for one another, and please keep us safe.
Lastly, bless the work of my hands so that I can serve my family well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
When Jesus taught the disciples a model prayer, he kept it simple. He reminded them that God already knows what they need before they ask. Prayer can be much more about demonstrating faith than praying perfect words. God looks at the heart. So, pray with faith in your heart as you commune with Him.
