“When we surrender our worries about the future to God, we make room in our hearts for peace.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 13, 2024
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34, ESV
I have a favorite bracelet. It was given to me by a dear friend and contains three little words: I Am Here. This tiny phrase has been an anchor for me during sleepless nights, an unknown future, and difficult decisions. It’s reminded me at 3 AM that Jesus is with me and that He will never leave or forsake me.
But there is also a second, life-giving meaning of these three words: I (Shana) am here. Right now. In this moment. In this day. I am alive. And because I am still alive, I need to continue to fully live each day.
Even if we are healthy, even if we are physically safe now, these blessings are not guaranteed tomorrow. The Lord could take any of us home at any time. Therefore, it’s wise to continue to truly live.
To truly live each day means taking time to notice the blessings given to us by God.
At the end of each day, my husband and I hold one another before our eyes close to sleep and we talk about the day and sometimes answer the question: Where did you see God at work today?
This simple question gives us opportunity to glorify and thank God for His movement in our lives in little ways that would have otherwise been overlooked. And there is an extra-added bonus when we do this exercise: joy! There is nothing like gratitude to fill a heart with happy.
To truly live in each day means taking advantage of all the opportunities God gives us each day.
Yesterday I spoke with a man who said, “None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. So, we need to live life to the fullest.” If we fear what may happen in the future, we may miss an opportunity to take that bike ride, witness to that neighbor, or go on that mission’s trip. But when we truly live, we embrace the moment and boldly move into the opportunities God has placed before us. There is nothing like taking risks to fill our hearts with courage.
To truly live means not fretting about the future.
In the book, Morning by Morning, Charles Spurgeon wrote:
“Care can be sinful—even when we care about legitimate things—if it is carried to extremes. Our Savior regularly taught that we should avoid anxious concern. When we worry, we put ourselves in His place and try to do for Him what He intends to do for us. We struggle to bear our burden, as if He were unable or unwilling to carry it for us . . .”
Scripture instructs us not to worry about tomorrow. This isn’t about being irresponsible. It’s about trust. Each day, the Lord invites us to trust Him for our provision and care, knowing that He holds our future firmly in His hands. When we worry about the future, we try to control that which we can’t control. This only leads to a lack of peace.
Trusting God with our tomorrows means believing that He is good, that He has a plan, and that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). It means letting go of our need to know everything and resting in the assurance that God knows and that is enough.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
Prayer
Lord, help me to live in today and not be consumed with worry about tomorrow. Remind me that You are in control, and that Your plans for me are good. Give me the grace to trust You with my future, and to focus on the blessings and opportunities of today. Amen.
Application
Share what you read in today’s devotional with a friend or family member.
Related Reading
Hebrews 13:5-6; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Romans 8:32
Worship Resource
Generation Unleashed: I Am Alive
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
