Living One Day At A Time

“Worry implies that we don’t quite trust that God is big enough. powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what is happening in our lives.” – Francis Chan.  

In times of trial, when someone asks, “How’s it going,” we often say, “I’m taking it day by day.” During the Coronavirus crisis, many people have responded by saying, “I’m taking it one day at a time.” We as Christians should have that perspective all the time, not just during trials. Even when things are going well, we should be taking it one day at a time.

In times of crisis, it easy to fall into the worry trap, especially in times of trial. We often get out ahead of ourselves and ahead of God as we attempt to predict the many ways this crisis may pan out. The typical human response to uncertainty is to move automatically to a state of worry and anxiety. God clearly tells us: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6)

Most of us don’t want to worry, but the fact is we are not a “one day at a time” person. We are future-oriented. We want to know what is going to happen, how it will happen, and how long will it take to happen. Then we try to predict every potential outcome so we are prepared for every eventuality and circumstance that may arise. And because we are so strategic we will try to take on the Coronavirus along with everything else that is happening in our lives. It is no wonder we have a lot of anxiety and fear in life. 

Fortunately, when we work ourselves up with the what-if’s and maybes, God pulls us back down to earth and reminds us of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” God knows what our future holds so we can rest in Him. God wants you to live — fully live — one day at a time, relying on Him to provide all your needs, physically and spiritually. Matthew 6:34 says, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Psalm 68:19 ‘says, “Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms.” The future can often seem very overwhelming. God graciously divided it up into 24-hour segments so you don’t get all the future at once. You get it 24 hours at a time. If God gave you all the future at one time, it would overwhelm you but you’re not there yet. You’re not ready for it. God gives it to you in 24-hour increments. We simply have to trust Him and focus on His direction for today?

“The Prayer of Serenity” is one of the most well-known prayers in the world.  This prayer is appropriate for all seasons but it is especially appropriate for those encountering difficult challenges:

 God, grant me the
          Serenity to accept the things
          I cannot change;
          Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference.

          Living one day at a time;
          Enjoying one moment at a time;
          Accepting hardship
          As the pathway to peace.

          Taking, as He did,
          This sinful world as it is
          not as I would have it.

          Trusting that He will make
          all things right
          If I surrender to His will.

          That I may be reasonably happy
          in this life,
          And supremely happy
          With Him forever in the next.

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Isaiah 43:1-3, 13: What do these verses tell you about God being with us? 
2. How can we live our lives in a way that confirms that we believe that God is with us?