“There is freedom in holding all things loosely.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 18, 2022
What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
The Bible is full of nuggets and Proverbs 27:1 is one of them: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what they may bring forth.”
As I contemplated this verse recently, I was reminded that indeed, we shouldn’t boast about tomorrow. Instead, we need to live as if tomorrow’s plans may not unfold, but we also need to live as if tomorrow may not come.
Both perspectives will keep us in a Kingdom mindset with an eye on heaven, reminding us that this world is not our home.
If we live as if our plans may not unfold and we toss aside boasting about tomorrow, we will naturally focus on surrendering to the Lord and His will in the now.
If we live as if tomorrow may not come, it will reduce our days down to only the truly important because everything that will pass away always gives way to the significant.
Both attitudes, living as if our plans may not unfold, and living as if tomorrow may not come, keep us in a place of humble submission, recognizing that He is Lord, and we are not.
This does not mean we don’t work; it doesn’t mean we don’t plan, and it doesn’t mean we don’t look forward to the future. It simply means we hold all things loosely and recognize Him as God.
As I contemplate this, I consider how much more joy and freedom I could have in the present if I would consistently adopt these two perspectives. I tend to be future focused, always looking forward for the next thing . . . the next thing to accomplish or the next thing to create. If I could enjoy the present more and place my focus on the now, how each moment would become like a nugget of gold or a sparkling diamond! I would notice the little things and become more grateful.
As I write this, I’m sitting in my favorite spot in our living room, covered by a cuddly blanket, drinking a warm cup of tea. As I focus on the now, I notice the softness of the blanket, the comforting sound of silence, the beauty of the mountains out the living room window, and the comfort of resting my body and my spirit. Not worrying about tomorrow. Not focusing on tomorrow’s plans or wondering if tomorrow will even arrive. I am just in the now, and I am thankful.
“Don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).
Prayer
Lord, thank you so much for all your blessings. Keep me grounded in the now, enjoying the blessings you have given. Help me to live as if tomorrow may not come and tomorrow’s plans may not unfold. Help me hold all things loosely, recognizing you as my loving Lord. Amen.
Application
Is there anything that you are holding tightly that you need to surrender to Jesus?
Related Reading
1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 6:31; Romans 8:32
Worship Resource
Elevation Worship: I Will Trust
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