Today

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Yesterday is over, tomorrow isn’t here yet, all we have is today.

In Matthew 6:34, Jesus imparts a timeless piece of wisdom: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." This teaching is part of the broader Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus addresses a wide range of human concerns, offering guidance on how to live a life aligned with God’s will.

The context of this verse is critical to understanding its depth. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks to a diverse crowd, including his disciples and other followers. His teachings encompass various aspects of daily life, from prayer and fasting to dealing with anxiety. In this particular verse, Jesus is addressing the common human tendency to worry about the future. He encourages his listeners to focus on the present moment and to trust in God’s provision and care.

Jesus’ exhortation to not worry about tomorrow highlights the importance of living in the present. This mindset is countercultural, especially in today’s world, where planning for the future and mitigating future risks often dominate our thoughts and actions. By emphasizing the troubles of each day, Jesus acknowledges that life is inherently challenging, but he also points out that borrowing trouble from the future only adds to today’s burden.

While Jesus advises against worrying about the future in Matthew 6:34, his teachings also convey a clear message about the importance of living with an eternal perspective. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus frequently speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven and encourages his followers to live in a way that reflects their ultimate hope in eternal life.

This might seem paradoxical at first glance—focusing on the present while also longing for eternity. However, these teachings are not contradictory. Instead, they are complementary. By not being consumed with worry about the future, believers can live more fully in the present, making decisions that reflect their faith and hope in the eternal promises of God. This present-focused living doesn’t negate the future but rather prepares believers for it by fostering a life of faith, trust, and obedience.

Ultimately, Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:34 calls for a balanced approach to life. It urges believers to avoid the paralysis that worry can bring, while also encouraging them to live in a way that is mindful of their eternal destiny. Yesterday is over, tomorrow isn’t here yet, and all we truly have is today. By embracing this perspective, believers can live each day fully, free from the anxieties about the future, and focused on the eternal promises of God.

In conclusion, Jesus’ advice to not worry about tomorrow serves as a profound reminder to trust in God’s provision and to live each day with intentionality and faith. By doing so, believers can navigate the challenges of today while keeping their hearts set on the hope of heaven.