Living in the Moment...

I believe we all have had seasons of life when we feel overwhelmed by the complexities and difficulties we encounter daily. We feel we barely have enough energy to make it through any given day. In addition to all of the normal, everyday chores, routines and responsibilities we have, we are oftentimes broadsided by the unexpected. Then, anxiously in the midst of the current day, we worry about what tomorrow will bring. This one-two punch sends us into a tailspin that can threaten to paralyze us. Does this sound remotely familiar? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages us to not worry. Of course this is easier said than done. Nevertheless, Jesus offers compelling reasons to not worry. Since God so faithfully feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field with such splendor, how much more will he care for his faithful children? Jesus then concludes with these words: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34) Do these words resonate with you? They do with me. A pastor friend of mine has articulated it this way, “When I wake up in the morning, I petition God for his strength to see me through the day. In the evening, I am answerable to him for how I have conducted myself over the course of the day. God asks nothing more or nothing less from us.” Whatever your circumstances, I want to encourage you to not borrow trouble. Live in the moment with the awareness that the Lord is continually with us, maintaining an open-ended dialogue with him over the course of the day.
Keep the Faith,
Pastor Tony