The Next Moment

READ: MATTHEW 6:25-34

Since I was young, I’ve often had to remind myself to just consider the next moment instead of trying to figure out everything that’s going to happen in the future. The truth is, it’s all in God’s hands, so I don’t have to worry about tomorrow. I don’t have to get stressed about what I’ll be doing in an hour or how things are going to turn out today. All I need to do is live in this moment. Take it slow. Just a little at a time.

In Matthew 6, Jesus says, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (verse 34). I get too stressed when I try to take on everything at once. I quickly realize I can’t control everything I want to. And sometimes, it’s best to just let go. It’s good to know I don’t have control over everything, but God does.

My thoughts don’t always have to be on tomorrow, or further in the future, because God is already taking care of it all. As Jesus says, “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (verse 32-33). God loves me, and He just wants me to live in the present and do what I can now, focusing on His presence with me and how He’s calling me to participate in His kingdom.

I can’t handle everything at once. I’m not capable of doing that, much as I might want to. When I try to take on too much, I get overwhelmed. I worry that the future won’t be all that I want it to be. But when I trust God with my life instead, it’s easier to feel content in this moment. And I know He will gently lead me to the next. • Bethany Acker

• In what ways do you find yourself worrying about the future? While it’s good to make plans to use our time wisely and consider how our actions will affect the future, it’s ultimately not our job to make the future turn out the way we think it should. And when we get wrapped up in trying to control the future, we may miss out on what God is doing here and now. Next time you’re distracted by worries about the future, consider bringing your worries to God in prayer, then ask Him to guide your attention to what He’s doing in this present moment.

• As Christians, how can knowing that we are forever held in God’s love—and our eternal future is already secure—free us to follow Jesus moment by moment? (Romans 8:31-39)

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:34 (NLT)