Tomorrow

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.

Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Matthew 6:34 (NLT)

In his autobiography, Finding Kansas, author Aaron Likens states, “What is the most fearsome word in the English language? There is nothing worse than tomorrow. Tomorrow is uncontrollable. What could happen? Sure, I may get a racing ride and my life will finally begin, but I could wake up to a horror like 9/11…. I like and need to know what’s going on at all times. While this is truly impossible, I want to be “in the know” at all times. While I’m asleep, nations could fall, stock markets could crash, space monkeys could enslave us all, and who knows what else could happen. That is true fear.”

Many people fear the unknown. Which is why tomorrow is such a dreadful prospect. If there is no control over what might happen then, yes, there is rightful cause for such feelings of helplessness. Helplessness, in turn, breeds unbridled fear.

Jesus offers a fundamental revolution in our perspective on the future; instead of becoming preoccupied with what may or may not happen tomorrow, He urges us to turn our attention to Him and what is on our plate right now. Life is hard enough, so why add to that stress by giving in to suppositions? “What if the stock market crashes? What if they never find a cure for this or that?” What ifs are so plentiful, we could spend entire days consumed with possible catastrophes.

God suggests another way to live and enjoy our time here on earth: surrender tomorrow to the One who is in charge of the universe and all that dwells in it. If God feeds the birds, and clothes the lilies of the fields, surely He will make sure our daily needs are met. We need not fear tomorrow for nothing – nothing! – is out of His control. No concern is too big nor too small for Him. No problem catches Him by surprise.

There is no greater assurance than knowing God holds our tomorrows in His loving hands. He is already there, preparing every detail for each of His beloved children.

Thought: “Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength.” – Alexander Maclaren