What Bible verses help you focus on today and not tomorrow?
Matthew 6:34 seems the perfect response to a question about Scripture that keeps us in the moment: “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
As much as that is a great reminder, especially in times of stress, at times it can be difficult to put that into practice.
One of the verses I note each morning as part of my daily prayer is Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
This psalm is rich with themes of thanksgiving, and reminders of our reliance on God’s dominion (rather than human domination).
This one verse, however, keeps me grounded in the potential that is forthcoming: God has made THIS day; there’s never been a day like it before, and there will never be a day like it again.
It doesn’t suggest that the day will be perfect; for life always comes with challenges and obstacles. However, the psalmist’s prayer of confidence reassures me every day that no matter what happens, today is but one day; and that no matter what happens, this day is full of the presence of God: it’s my privilege to seek out the signs of that grace.
I find that the Scriptures continue to speak to us, no matter how many times we read them. Partly as our understanding and faith increase, but also as our lives change and evolve. This means that the holy words are a gift that keeps on giving; and I can revisit passages that may reveal new and renewed teachings — depending on how I read them.
This means for me that my go-to passages change over time. Like asking someone what their favourite song or book is, this doesn’t lock us in to one permanent expression; but it allows us an opportunity to share what is speaking to us at this moment – and possibly to share what mood or events are influencing those choices.
Throughout the Scriptures, there are countless ways to be upheld and supported in our journey of faith. They are a regular reminder of God’s people doing their best to love and serve God. We are invited to let these lessons continue to inform and support how we make our life choices, striving to follow in the footsteps of our faithful ancestors.
This can mean that at times, some passages may not feel as helpful as they once did. This is OK; it does not mean they never were helpful nor that they won’t be again; just that, at this moment, in these circumstances, other passages are going to be more immediately relatable and uplifting.
Some examples of passages that I have turned to recently:
- In times when I was waiting for a future I cannot rush, I reminded myself to be patient and hope-filled (Romans 8:25, “If we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”)
- When I felt overwhelmed by my to-do list, I was reminded to listen to my physical needs (like Elijah’s need for rest and nourishment: 1 Kings 19:6-7, “He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, ‘Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.’”)
- When I have felt isolated or discouraged, I am reminded of God’s constant companionship and faithfulness to hear my prayers (Jeremiah 29:12-13a, “Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me”)
- When I find myself distressed by the realities of our broken society, I refresh my parched soul with messages of God’s abundance overtaking the injustices of the world, and of my role to take action (Amos 5:24, “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”)
- When I am joyous, delighting in the goodness of this life, I ensure I keep the focus on the source of love from whom this comes (Psalm 16:9,11, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.”)
However we find the Scriptures speaking to us, let us pray to be open to the movement of the Spirit: to seek out God’s word in verses of comfort, in verses we are unfamiliar with; in those we turn to daily and in those we may not have considered for some time.
The Word of God is always speaking; may God open our hearts and minds today to what we need to hear.
