Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
The world we inhabit is constantly changing. It changes faster than our minds can absorb without going into shock. Even the physical body we live in is changing relentlessly — despite modern science’s attempts to prolong youthfulness and extend life indefinitely. I remember a man used to pray: “Lord, bless me to get old — but not to look old.” But the truth is, our physical bodies are destined to change.
God does not change. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God is our solid rock. Even as life changes, God’s presence remains with us, and because of that we have nothing to fear. Yes, our God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning, and the end, the One who is, who was, and who is to come. And this unchanging God, challenges us, day by day, to live in the present.
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But too often our minds live somewhere else. Sometimes our minds live in the past. We replay what didn’t work out, who hurt us, what went wrong, and the mistakes we’ve made. Other times our minds live in the future. We worry about our goals, our finances, and our health. We ask ourselves: ‘What if things don’t get better? What if my health doesn’t improve?’ So, we live either looking backward or forward. And the problem with that is — we miss the present.
Are you living your best life today? Be honest with me now! Remember, self-awareness is key for change. If you can’t be honest with yourself, you can’t expect to change. I recommend four key strategies: Focus Thoughts on the Now; Practice Gratitude; Do Less; and Stop Multi-Tasking. YES! Multi-tasking is a ‘living in the moment’-KILLER!
And that’s why we miss the present. We are either replaying yesterday’s pain or worrying about tomorrow’s problems. But Jesus speaks directly to this struggle in the Gospel of Matthew. In other words, Jesus says: Stop borrowing trouble from tomorrow. Stop living in yesterday’s regrets. God has already given you today. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is not promised. But today — this moment, this breath, this opportunity — is the gift God has placed in your hands.
So whatever challenges you are facing, get ready — things are about to turn around. That promotion is coming, the healing is coming, your breakthrough is coming, the fulfillment of your journey is coming! It’s already in God’s plan. Every one of us was born a child of God. You are meant to be here — at this time. This is your moment — live in the moment!
Rev. Marion J. Miller is the Senior Pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church, 1201 Thomas V. Bryant Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana. She’s an Associate District Superintendent in the Southern Rivers District. She may be reached at 812-283-3747 or via email at wesley1201@sbcglobal.net.
