Over the past two Sundays, we have looked at the portion of the Sermon on the Mount, which deals with worry and anxiety.
Jesus said, “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
I shared that we should attempt to live one day at a time. We can plan ahead, we can prepare for the future, we can pray about tomorrow, but still live one day at a time.
One of my favorite verses is Lamentations 3:22-23, which says, “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness.”
I have always believed that the Lord gives us the grace and mercy necessary to live each day to its fullest. We cannot and should not try to solve tomorrow’s problems with today’s resources.
In other words, God apportions to us a measure of mercy for each day. It is sufficient for that day’s troubles and challenges. Often times, we use today’s mercies, which are new every morning, worrying about tomorrow’s challenges. Our fuel gauge hovers on empty and there’s still half of the day left to live. God can refuel us any time He wishes, but I believe that He wants us to grow in our use of His mercies for each day.
Also, when we worry about tomorrow’s problems, we tend to miss today’s blessings. Whenever we are distracted by problems, we miss the things that are going on around us.
The other day, I was enjoying Disneyland with one of my grandkids. A problem arose with her stroller. At that instant, a person from our church came up to us to say hello. I exchanged pleasantries, but missed an opportunity for added blessings of fellowship because I was distracted by (or worried about) the stroller problem.
One of my prayers for our church family is that we can reduce the level of worry and anxiety in our lives. That being the case, we can enjoy the life God has given to us better and we can serve Him with unabated joy and energy.
One more thing, when we realize His mercies each day, thus reducing our anxiety, we more fully realize His great faithfulness.
As one of the great hymns of the church echoes, “’Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!’ Morning by morning new mercies I see; all that I have needed Thy hand hath provided, ‘Great is Thy faithfulness,’ Lord, unto me!”

Grateful for His faithfulness,
Pastor Cory, d.v