[Jesus continued:] "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."
— Matthew 6:34 NLT
Key Thought
As we ponder these words of Jesus, we must recognize that worry and planning ahead are different things. Jesus said that it is unreasonable not to do some essential planning (Luke 14:28-31). Still, most of us have battled worry at some point in our lives. We go to bed with that nagging concern about what will happen "tomorrow." (Clearly Jesus is referring to worrying about what will happen in the future and not literally just tomorrow.) It may be a conflict that troubles us. It may be a mess at the office that must be confronted. It may be facing someone who has hurt us or that we have hurt. It may be that financial doubt about paying bills and having to face the note holders. Jesus wants us to let go of our anxiety. We must live in the present moment. There are too many opportunities we could miss today by worrying about what might happen tomorrow. The Lord could come between now and tomorrow, and all our worry would have been silliness. The Lord may be at work in the situation during today, in ways we could not foresee, and our problems are not as insurmountable as they seem today. Or, even if the bad thing were to happen, our worry would have needlessly stolen the joy out of today. Let's make sure we fill up today with God's Kingdom priorities and then we can deal with tomorrow's mess when, and if, it ever comes.
Today's Prayer
Almighty and sustaining God, I believe tomorrow is in your hands, so I will rest myself in your grace today as I seek to live for you. Please open my eyes to see the opportunities you provide today so that I can serve you and do your Kingdom work with focus, courage, and clarity. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- Psalm 94:19-20
- Jeremiah 17:7-8
- Hebrews 3:12-13
Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, March 20, 2021
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About This Devotional
What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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