7 Practical Things To Do That Will Make Today Better
How good are you at living one day at a time?
I love this quote…
“One day at a time- this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.” — Ida Scott Taylor
Jesus said it like this…
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Mattthew 6:34
It’s hard to live in the moment … to let go of the past, focus on the present, and reject concern about the future.
But we sacrifice peace, joy, contentment, and more when we live with past or future “what ifs.”
Let’s ask—what if we could consistently kick painful memories and anxious thoughts to the curb? What if we could consistently focus on God’s will for today and find joy in living this moment with peace and joy?
I’ve made a list that I believe will help us do just that…
7 Practical Things To Do That Will Make Today Better
1. Today – I will trust and obey God’s plans.
I will trust that God’s plans and purposes are for my ultimate good and His glory even when I can’t see it.
Here’s a helpful quote from Shauna Neiquist…
“I’m practicing believing that God knows more than I know, that He sees what I can’t, that He’s weaving a future I can’t even imagine from where I sit this morning.”
2. Today – I will let go of yesterday through repentance and forgiveness.
John wrote…
But 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 and Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
God’s Word promises that He is faithful to forgive. When you and I doubt His forgiveness we doubt His love. So, let go of what God has forgiven and give the gift of forgiveness to those who hurt us trusting that it is God’s will and He will help.
3. Today – I will plan but not over-plan my daily schedule.
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” ~Stephen Covey
I want to use today’s 1440 minutes intentionally.
Honestly, this one is a challenge for me. So, I’m asking God to help me KNOW, TRUST, and OBEY His will to manage my time well.
4. Today – I will patiently accept the unexpected.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
Romans 8:38
When you and I trust that God is greater than our circumstances and live with the confidence that He can give us the strength we need to endure, we’re more likely to face the unexpected patiently.
5. Today – I will refuse to worry about tomorrow.
Elizabeth Elliot wrote…
“Worry is the antithesis of trust. You simply cannot do both. They are mutually exclusive.”
It’s true. When we give our concerns to God in faith we make today better. So, let’s make an intentional effort to do what we can do today and surrender tomorrow to the mercy and grace of God.
6. Today – I will surrender myself to God’s love.
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
With God’s help, I will prayerfully surrender my all to the Lord who gave everything for me. I will trust that He is with me and that He will help me and give me the strength I need to live this day for His glory.
7. Today – I will count my blessings and live with joy.
“The private and personal blessings we enjoy – the blessings of immunity, safeguard, liberty, and integrity – deserve the thanksgiving of a whole life.” ~ Jeremy Taylor
When you and I focus on today’s blessings, we concentrate on the positives in our lives. I can’t imagine a better way to focus on today and live with joy than to set our hearts and minds on God’s gracious blessings.
Let’s pray…
A Prayer to Make Today Better
By Letting Go of Yesterday and Tomorrow
Father, Your Son told us not to worry about tomorrow saying that today has enough concerns and things to ponder. And through His sacrificial love, we have been freed from sin, death, and the enemy’s power.
I know those truths; yet, I am guilty of clinging to yesterday’s guilt and problems and worrying about tomorrow’s possible needs and challenges. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.
I want to live this day following Your will for me. I want to make today better by living one moment at a time aware of Your presence and help, strengthened by Your love. Please help me quickly turn to You when the unexpected happens. Help me prayerfully plan my day leaving time for Your Word and prayer and time for the people I love.
Help me lay my worries at the foot of the cross surrendering myself fully to Your loving care and keeping. And help me joyfully focus on Your grace, mercy, and love. I believe I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength and I can make today better by trusting Your love and obeying Your will. I pray this in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.
As I’ve been writing these words, I’ve thought deeply about the peace and joy you and I could experience if we truly took the Lord’s Word to heart. Imagine intentionally letting go of this day by prayerfully giving it to Him as we close our eyes each night, asking Him to provide us with guidance and strength each morning, and giving Him the future anytime it threatens to concern us throughout the day.
May we keep praying, trust God’s love, and make today better by surrendering our all to Him.
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Thank you what a blessing. Just curious what day planner page is this? It looks to be simple and to the point. Thank you.
Hi, Tonya! It does look like a good one. This was a stock photo so I’m not sure of the brand. A good daily planner is so helpful. Blessings as you look for the one the works well.
Lord, help me to live one moment at a time.
Blessings, Deb!
Blessings to you, Martha! I’m praying to live in the present, too. It’s so easy to get distracted by things I can’t control. Have a wonderful day!
Beautifully written, Deb! Well said. I’m sharing everywhere! Thank you for this.
Thanks so much, Horace. Blessings!
Hello, Deb,
In my prayers, I ask that peace, strength and blessings come your way.
Things that make things better and beautiful are:
* Faithfully reading the Bible.
* Begin my day with prayer.
* Be in constant prayer.
* Do God’s will.
* Give thanks.
* memorize scripture.
* Obey God.
* Trust in the Lord.
* Fear God.
* Worship God.
There’s so much uncertainty in life, but we trust YHWH that He will guide us and sustain us. Isaiah 58:11.
Deb, may you have a wonderful, joyful and fruitful week.
Because He Lives,
Raquel G.
Thank you for this beautiful list, Raquel. Spending time with the Lord throughout the day helps me remember that “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” I need Him always. God bless you!