When our daughter was a toddler she found the difference between today and tomorrow very confusing.
We’ would say, “We are going to to do (something fun) tomorrow.”
And she would always respond with delight and great enthusiasm.
But the next morning when she got up she would ask, “Is it tomorrow?”
Of course, we would reply, “No, it’s today.”
At which point she would get very sad and say, “But I want it to be tomorrow so we can do __________.”
(It sounds like our personal version of who’s on first, doesn’t it?)
And even when we would tell her, “Honey, we are going to do __________.”
She would look at us confused and say, “But it’s not tomorrow.”
Little children aren’t the only ones who have trouble understanding the difference between today and tomorrow.
You and I can so easily waste today worrying about tomorrow. Waiting for tomorrow. Procrastinating until tomorrow. Starting over tomorrow.
But the truth is, whatever we think about tomorrow we can only live today.
Corrie ten Boom wrote:
“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”
So, let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says and surrender our worry and uncertainty about tomorrow to the Lord.
Pray When You are Confused About an Uncertain Tomorrow
When You’re Worried and Uncertain about Tomorrow
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Matthew 6:34
Father, I surrender my thoughts to You. Please grant me Your peace and help me live today without worrying about tomorrow. By Your grace, help me know the difference between planning for tomorrow and worrying about tomorrow. Guide me as I set goals and help me put You first in everything I do . . . that I might live each day for Your glory. Amen.
When You’re Tired of Waiting for “Tomorrow”
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Father, Please give me the courage and strength I need today. Sometimes today is hard because You’re asking me to wait. Please give me patience. By Your grace, give me everything I need to trust You today. Whatever is going on in my life . . . You promise to give me everything I need when I seek You first. Please lead me today, make Your will clear to me, and give me all I need to follow You in faith today. Amen.
“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 and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.” ~John Piper
When You’re Tempted to Procrastinate Until Tomorrow
“Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week” ~a Spanish Proverb
Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever. You were called to have that life when you confessed the good confession before many witnesses.
Ephesians 5:15–17
Father, please give me the strength I need today. By Your grace, help me plan my days well without over-planning so I’m not tempted to procrastinate. Give me the energy I need each day and help me remember to pause and rest in Your presence. By Your all-sufficient grace help me stay focused on You that I might do Your will as You reveal it to me. Amen.
“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” ~Abraham Lincoln
When You’re Tempted to Carry Guilt and Shame Into Tomorrow
“The voice of sin is loud, but the voice of forgiveness is louder.” ~Dwight L. Moody
If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
1 John 1:9
Father, I am so sorry for failing to trust and obey Your will the way You want. I try so hard but fall short every day. And the enemy taunts and tells me I’m useless, that I’ll never change, that I need to wear my guilt like a label across my heart. But You are faithful to forgive because You want to forgive. You proved Your unfailing love by allowing Jesus to suffer my punishment on the cross.
Thank you! Help me live today with the joy of forgiveness and help me generously extend that same loving forgiveness to the people You place around me. Thank you for washing me clean today and for every new tomorrow You give me to try again. Amen.
“Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” ~L.M.Montgomery
When You Need to Remember to LIVE Today
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” ~Martin Luther
The Lord is my shepherd;
Psalm 23:1–3
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
He leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to His name.
Father, thank you for Your provision, guidance, and rest. You truly do give me everything I need each day. Please help me walk peacefully with You today. Keep me from worrying about tomorrow’s unknown and give me the faith I need to trust You even when I don’t understand. Life can be hard and confusing but when You are with me teaching and leading . . . I have Your all-sufficient grace to flourish in the good things You have prepared for me. I love You, Lord. You are all I need today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen.
I love this quote from Henri Nouwen. It reminds of simple ways you and I can live for God’s glory today . . . without worrying about tomorrow’s uncertainty.
“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.”
So friends,
Celebrate today.
Live with confidence that God has You covered in His grace, mercy, and love.
Have hope for tomorrow, but don’t wait for it to live . . . get up and boldly experience all God has for you.
Follow where the Lord leads you and trust Him to bless you with the goodness of life that only He can give.
May He bless you today and tomorrow!
Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.
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