Worry
is a very natural part of the human experience. We worry about our health,
kids, jobs, and future. We rationalize it in all kinds of ways. “I’m not
worried; I’m just concerned.” “It’s natural for me to worry because I care.”
But none of these excuses change the fact that we often worry about things we
cannot control, and we do so in disobedience to the word of God.
Jesus
said, “Do not worry about your life, for tomorrow will take care of itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34 NASB). It is appropriate for
us to be concerned about those that we love (2Cor. 11:28) and to plan for the
future (Prov. 24:27). But when we worry we say with our hearts, even if not
with our mouths, that we do not trust God to handle it. We may claim we believe
in Christ, but worry says we do not have confidence in Him.
There
really are only two days that should preoccupy us, two days that matter enough
to dominate our thinking and concern: today
and that day. Today is the only day we know we have (Jas. 4:13-17. Our lives are frail
and fleeting; none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. Our primary concern should be
to live for Christ today, to be faithful on this day, and leave worries about
tomorrow to God. The second day that should preoccupy us, that day, is the day we see Jesus and stand before Him to give
account of our lives here (2Cor. 5:10). The hope of being with Him one day and
seeing Him “as He is” will inspire greater holiness and consecration (1John
3:2-3). Today is important because it
is the only day I know I will have an opportunity to serve and glorify God, and
that day is most important – I should
live today so as to be prepared for that day, whenever it comes.
Many
Christians are paralyzed by regrets about yesterday and fears about tomorrow. But
I cannot do anything about yesterday. My sins and the shame of what was then
are covered by Christ’s blood. I cannot be certain of tomorrow, and Jesus
forbids me to worry about it. But I have today, and to the best of my ability,
with the help of God’s Spirit and the power of His grace, I must live my life
today as one who is living for that day. O Lord come! -JME
