Focus On Today

Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

“Did you read the latest headlines?”

I hadn’t. It had been a busy day, and my friend’s text made me certain that whatever had happened wasn’t good. There was a part of me that simply didn’t want to know and had me wondering if—perhaps—it was better to play ostrich and bury my head in the sand.

Lord, how do I live in this world and yet remember that this is not my home, that I belong to you?

How do I represent you well when headlines are horrific?

How do I remain compassionate and actively engage with those who hurt when I desperately want to look away and focus on something happier?

How do I keep my eyes and heart attuned to you, Lord, when everything is a dumpster fire?

Prayer is my first defense. I gratefully hand my concerns to him (sometimes hourly or even more frequently, if I’m honest), knowing nothing is too big for him to hold. He is not caught off guard, and my fretting is not helpful to anyone, especially me.

And then I ask God to use me. There is something powerful about fighting worry and fear with a simple “Here I am, Lord, send me.” After all, we are the mobilized, active hands and feet of Jesus, and he will use us, even through the smallest acts of kindness. As I look for someone to bless, my fear dissipates. I can make a difference in my neighborhood, workplace, community, and—don’t underestimate the one who gives us assignments—beyond.

When we exchange worry for a prayerful request to be used, we won’t know this side of heaven how our simple obedience—both in not worrying and in caring for others—will amplify God’s glory. Worry and fear about the future are paralyzing, but entrusting it to God while we focus on what we can do now—that is powerful, world-changing, gratifying action.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

The next time you are prone to worry, thank God as you hand him the situation, asking for a tangible assignment to bless someone else in exchange.