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When I was growing up, a plaque hung on a wall in our house that read, “Don’t worry. It may never happen.” I passed that saying many times each day, and those words became branded on my brain. So, of course, I never worry. (I wish!)

Certainly, there are some people who take worry to the extreme. Their lives are a tightly wound ball of fear. But for the rest of us who don’t participate in the extreme sport of worry, we still struggle. Many concerns are real—making ends meet in a challenging economy, waiting on a doctor’s test (“Just to rule out …”), a wayward child, the job, and on and on. Some worries are borrowed—What will happen if …? She should be home by now. I didn’t like how my boss looked at me; she must have some bad news to tell me. But Jesus tells us there is no reason to borrow extra trouble. 

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Jesus tells us to slow down. Life is to be lived one day at a time. He will provide what we need for that day. He never gives us grace in bulk. He never says, “Here’s a ten-pound bag of grace. Use as needed over the next weeks.” His mercies are new every morning, and his faithfulness is great (Lam 3:22-23). He promises only one day at a time and one day’s worth of grace at a time. So, focus on your walk with Christ today. Tomorrow you can start all over.

Lord Jesus, thank you for this great reminder to focus on following hard after you today. Should you grant us another day, we’ll do the same tomorrow. In your name. Amen.