How to Make the Most of Today
Do you struggle to make the most of today because thoughts about tomorrow keep getting in the way?
When our daughter was a little girl, she struggled to understand the concept of time and the difference between today and tomorrow.
For example, if we told her…
“We’re going to __________ tomorrow.”
Like most littles, she’d quickly react with great enthusiasm. The next morning, the first thing out of her mouth would be, “Is it tomorrow?”
We would reply, “No, it’s today.”
And she’d respond with a deeply emotional, “But I want it to be tomorrow so we can do __________.”
“It sounds like our version of who’s on first, doesn’t it?”
Of course, we would quickly let her know that we were going to enjoy her highly anticipated activity, and she’d look at us with great confusion and say, “But it’s not tomorrow.”
Little children aren’t the only ones who struggle to understand and apply the concept of releasing tomorrow so they can make the most of today.
At times, we all:
- Worry about tomorrow.
- Wait with anticipation for tomorrow.
- Procrastinate until tomorrow.
- Try to start over tomorrow.
Although we waste a lot of time thinking about tomorrow, we know the truth: we can only live this moment today.
Let’s take a look at some verses and quotes that challenge us to LIVE and…
Make the Most of Today
When We’re Tempted to Worry About Tomorrow – Let’s Remember
Jesus said…
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:33–34
“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” ~ Charles Spurgeon
When Anxiously Waiting for Tomorrow – Remember
Biblically, waiting is not just something we have to do until we get what we want. Waiting is an integral part of the process of becoming who God wants us to be. – John Ortberg
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Psalm 5:3
“Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don’t. You are in good company… You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes, ladders, and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.” ~ John Piper
When Wanting to Put Things Off Until Tomorrow – Remember
“Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week” ~ a Spanish Proverb
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Ephesians 5:15–17
“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” ~ Abraham Lincoln
When Waiting Until Tomorrow to Start Over – Remember
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Hebrews 12:1–2a
“Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.” ~ Warren Wiersbe
The truth is…
We can only make the most of today! This is our day to LIVE!
Today is the oldest we’ve ever been and the youngest we will ever be.
Fully living in the present helps us live like Martin Luther…
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”
Rejoicing over the blessing it is…
This is the day the Lord has made.
Psalm 118:24
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
And putting into practice these words of Henri Nouwen…
“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.” ~Henri Nouwen
So, let’s go to the Lord in prayer…
A Prayer Asking God to Help Us
Make the Most of Today
Abba Father, thank you for the blessing of another day, a day to spend with You and the people You have given me.
I admit that I am guilty of holding onto yesterday’s regrets while also worrying about tomorrow’s concerns and struggles. Your Word tells me that You want me to make the most of today by trusting You and obeying Your will.
I believe that is the best way to live with peace and joy. I know from experience that worry robs me of both. When my heart and mind are preoccupied with yesterday and tomorrow, I can miss out on all that You want for me today.
By Your grace and the power of Your Spirit, please help me pay attention to this moment of my life. Help me SEE the people around me. Help me know and do those things that accomplish Your plans and purposes.
Please give me the wisdom I need to know what’s important and humbly let go of the rest. Help me love like Jesus. In whose precious name, I pray. Amen.
Celebrate today.
We put our hope in the Lord.
Psalm 33:20–21
He is our help and our shield.
In Him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in His holy name.
Live with confidence that today is covered by God’s mercy and grace.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2
And always remain hopeful about tomorrow, trusting God to give you everything you need to make the most of today.
We would love to pray for you.
You can leave your prayer requests here…
and even take a few minutes to pray over the list left by our friends.
Never Miss an Update
Leave your email address and I’ll send you a short email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to alert you to each new devotion. Plus you’ll receive a copy of 30 Ways to Bless Your Marriage and Keep the Spark Burning
I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi” and share your thoughts in the comments below.
And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…
Thanks again for visiting! Don’t forget to check out the links below to find additional posts that will bless you…
Thanks Deb for your wonderfully encouraging and inspiring advice!!. Certainly food for thought!… The eternal now!!. May God Bless You Deb! Praise and Trust The Lord! God’s Will Be Done!!!
Amen! I find this to be so true! Tomorrow can worry us to pieces if we let it. Thanks for the reminder to pause and put our attention back on the Lord.
Have a wonderful week, Deb.
I love this today. I am so guilty of worrying about tomorrow or looking so forward to it that I miss the beauty of this day. I remember when we would go on vacation when our children were young, my late husband would tell me that I couldn’t enjoy the days we were there because I was always worrying about the vacation ending and us going home!!! I am old and now I do concentrate on enjoying the day. At my age, I never know how many I have left, so I want to enjoy them all. There is so much to celebrate in a day. Just getting out of bed and being mobile is a blessing!! I appreciate this reminder! It helps this old mind of mine to sit and ponder and take notice of all the blessings that surround me in today. Thank you again. I appreciate you.
Thanks for your teaching on God’s word about worrying. It is so true that worrying can rob us of peace and joy.
This moment, here and now, is all the guarantee we have, Deb. Let’s live it to the fullest as God intends. Blessings!
Amen!
Holy Spirit…help me be present in the present, and celebrate all that you have in store for me.