Live For Today

Give us this day, our daily bread.

Matthew 6:11 esv

Sometimes it’s easy to focus on everything but the present. We might find ourselves constantly living in a mild state of stress about the future. Will I have enough? Will this circumstance or that trial work out? Or we might be living in regrets of the past, fixating on events that can’t be changed. Living in the present is not easy, but Jesus knew that.

In Matthew 6, Jesus taught the disciples to ask God for their “daily bread.” Scholars have examined these words, trying to determine what Jesus meant. Some believe Jesus was referring to the food they ate. Others believe Jesus was referring to everything they needed for that day. Either way, these words are a reminder that our thoughts and prayers should be focused first on God, remembering that he is the ultimate Provider, and second, on the certainty that he will give us what is sufficient for “this day.” Today is safe in his hands, and we can entrust tomorrow to him as well.

God is asking us to be in the moment. Not distracted by ruminations of the past or worries about the future, but centered on today. In doing so, we have a better chance of managing what is in front of us. As life unfolds, we can respond in a way that is healthy and appropriate, leaving us nothing to regret.

The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.

Abraham Maslow

If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.

Roy T. Bennett

Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.

Mother Theresa

For Further Reflection

James 4:14; Philippians 4:11; Proverbs 27:1

Today’s Prayer

Lord, I give you today. Please help me quiet my mind and focus on what you have presented in front of me at this time and place. Amen.