I’ve had a rough year. Not because of Covid or lockdowns or the chaos that the world has been in. I’ve just had some heartbreaks and struggles within my own family – and it’s been hard. 

God has grown me, stretched me, and has given me perspective that I didn’t have before. He’s taught me that as long as I’m focused on Him, all else becomes pretty small in comparison. 

As that beautiful hymn goes:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

  In the light of His glory and grace.

But He’s taught me something else that is life-changing – in fact it’s the only way to live!

One day at a time.

When you feel as though you can’t go on – take one day at a time.

You have the faithfulness of God and His mercies which are new every morning. Tomorrow morning they will be renewed once more, but you can get through today! 

When you feel as though the pain of grief will never end – take one day at a time.

You were not designed to carry and deal with the pain for the rest of your life, but with God’s grace and help, you are able to bear the pain for one day – today. 

When you feel as though there is no hope for your marriage to change – take one day at a time.

The change may not happen for a while yet. God’s timing may be different to your preferences. But you can survive one day – today. 

When the heartbreak of watching a prodigal child make unwise choices may feel as though it’s too excruciating to bear – take one day at a time.

Keep praying, keep trusting the Lord. You may not be able to imagine your son ever returning to the faith he once knew, or your daughter transforming into the sweet girl you remember, but all you need to do is love and support them for one day – today. 

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Matthew 6:34

• It’s not complicated. But it’s critical.
• It’s not super-spiritual. But it’s sacred. 
• It’s not obligatory. But it’s obvious.

There really is no other way that you and I were designed to live. 

…you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

James 4:14

My friend, take one day at a time.

Do what is right today.

Obey what the Word is telling you to do today.

Be kind to your husband today.

Be patient in your affliction with your teen today.

Extend love and grace to those who are hard to bear today. 

You may not be able to withstand a week of this pain.

You may not be able to survive an entire month of this hardship. 

You may not be able to live for a whole year without a loved one. 

But…

You can do one day!

And tomorrow… his mercies will be new. 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

    his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

    great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.

Corrie ten Boom