Your Life…
We spend a lot of time thinking about tomorrow. It starts young “When I grow up…”. We always think we have tomorrow, until we don’t.
I spend a lot of time these days with an under four age group. The youngest, learning to walk, doesn’t know what tomorrow is. The middle one, almost two, just knows it’s a new day. The almost four always wants tomorrow to be the next play day at grammy’s. From little hearts and smiles and wide eyes I’ve learned a big lesson: don’t live in tomorrow. Live today, moment by moment, for we will never have this moment again.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34 NLT)
A pastor that I greatly admire and learned so much from, has always said “Lord willing” when talking anything future tense. So, I’ve tried to remember to preface life that way as well.
It’s wisdom from James 4:15 “What you should say is this: “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” (NLT) What happens is we get so wrapped up in trying to secure our future, we miss all the wonder of today. As we age, we begin to realize, since there’s not as many tomorrows, maybe we better enjoy now.
There’s much I want to impart to those I love. Mostly Jesus stuff. What I want them to realize is: “They are not just idle words for you– they are your life.” (Deuteronomy 32:47a NIV) When these words were spoken, a momentous event was about to happen – after much loss and lostness, Moses was telling the people what life really is. He was speaking God’s instructions to them.
God’s Words are life. They are not idle, dead, past tense. How often do we say: ‘If I just had a set of instructions for child-rearing, or navigating the hard times, or how to have peace’? We do! An amazing book that is not ancient, it is alive. Each reading bringing new insight.
How foolish we are, wrapped up in our own self-sufficiency. When that doesn’t work, we might crack open the Bible or pray. Why is that a last resort? Maybe it should be a new each morning habit – then perhaps all that today holds and our cares about tomorrow might just find their answers. Your life is precious to your Creator, He’s given you instructions, and He eagerly awaits you in each moment.
parisrenae 
yes, why go to Jesus as our last resort is such a good question. My heart yearns for hIm continually, why not draw near to the One who desires to continually draw near to us and thus be a light for those watching us?
grace &peace,
mariel
marieldavenport.com
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Our pastor also adds “Lord willing” to his statements about the future. At first, I was taken back by it. But there is much wisdom – and humility – in that little statement!
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Isn’t funny how God can say in a few words what takes us lifetimes to grasp? Blessings as you explore His words more and more 🙂
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You brought back the precious memory of my Gram saying those very words, “If the Lord wills …” So much to ponder so that we make the most of our days.
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Wisdom – ours for the asking. Sounds like your gram knew where to look for wisdom. Blessings as you seek and find all you need…
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“Why is that a last resort?” – I often ask myself the same question. I like the imagery of your phrase, “He eagerly awaits you in each moment”. I’ll hold on to that any time I’m tempted to work things out on my own. Thank you for this post.
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It is so us right? ‘I can do it myself’ lol. Yes, praising Him for always, always being there. Blessings as you work it all out with Jesus…
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This made me think of the end of Ecclesiastes, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” We can only do that today.
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The whole duty – He makes it simple – not easy, but simple. Blessings as you live with and for Him.
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My mom always used to say, “Lord willing …” after whatever it was she was hoping or planning to do. It seemed a bit cliche to me when I was much younger; not so much anymore. 🙂 The idea that tomorrow has enough trouble of its own has been a key theme for me this year, so I appreciated your words here very much!
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Yes, a good theme for this year for sure – live today – God has it all under control and that includes tomorrow. Blessings in the moments…
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