FOCUS ON TODAY

Scripture

Matthew 6:11

"Give us today our daily bread."

God is more interested in the day called "today" than in any other days of your life. There are reasons why God wants you to focus on the present day rather than on yesterdays and tomorrows. It's not that God doesn't care about your future; of course, He does, because He is God. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." So, there is no question that God is interested in your future too. However, there is something about the present day called "today" that God wants you to understand today.

Exodus 16:4-28 (ERV) tells us how God was able to supply the Israelites with food: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.'" Notice that God only gave them the food needed for the present day. The people had to work every day to collect Manna that would only sustain them for that day.

For instance, the Lord's Prayer encourages us to ask for the provision of the present day with the assurance that God will provide for us tomorrow if we make it through today. We cannot ask for the provision of both today and tomorrow without knowing the demands of tomorrow, for Jesus said, "Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34). The things you need today to sustain your life may not be the same as the things you need to sustain yourself tomorrow. Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have its own worries. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Hence, God is telling us, during our prayers, to focus on asking Him only for the things we need today, for He is the God over our lives. He already knows what we need for our present day. He expects first to hear that from you in our prayers.

In addition, Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "Because of the LORD's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." This means God's grace is designed for each day and for every day. The grace for today is not the same as the grace you will need tomorrow, which is why it has to be new every day. Since every day has its own trouble, the strength, favor, provision, and salvation you may need today for you to succeed may not be the same as that of tomorrow. God designed each day with enough grace specifically for you. It's one day and one enough grace at a time, and that's how we move forward with our lives. Its repetitive nature  form our journey or cycle of life with God.

Benediction Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unwavering love and provision. We acknowledge that You are the God of the present moment, and You care deeply about our "today." Help us to focus on the grace and provision You offer for each day, trusting that You will supply all our needs according to Your riches in glory. May we not be anxious about tomorrow but rather rest in Your promises and Your faithfulness. Teach us to number our days wisely, seeking Your guidance and strength for each new day. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

May God bless you abundantly as you focus on the present day and trust in His provision for your life.