If you could rewind the clock, could you see or predict where you are today? With that same logic, can you really see or predict where you will be tomorrow? We take for granted the days given to us. How can we predict tomorrow or plan out a week while fully enjoying and embracing the moment?
Don’t get me wrong, it is important to manage time and calendaring. However, as we plan and prepare, we should trust and enjoy the moments God graciously provides. James gives great help in this area. Here are 3 truths gained from James 4:13-17.
- Avoid looking past today to anticipate tomorrow. The audiences in the points made by James were arrogant businessmen. They were consumed with trading and gaining for self-centered purposes. While doing so, they neglected their workers. We must always remember time and space only belong to our God. When we plan, we must do so with full dependency on God. Proverbs 27:1 tells us, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do know know what a day may bring forth.” We must not get carried away with prideful anticipation. God has a way of interrupting our plans to remind us of His plan for our journey on this side of heaven.
- Try rejoicing in today and approaching the future as a gift from God. Approaching each day as a gift from God shifts our mind off our plans and into the exciting and unknown plans of God. Our focus on the future for selfish purposes can be a display of disguised arrogance. Jeremiah 9:23 teaches us, “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches.” How can we really know tomorrow? Yet, we can know today. Embrace today with great happiness and trust in the glory of God.
- Instead of looking at tomorrow, focus on doing the right thing today. Each day, make it a goal to do the right thing. Sins of omission are often overlooked in the busyness of our lives. Sins of omission would be disregarding what God has said we must do…today. I like what Puritan writer Thomas Brooks wrote on this subject, “As sinful commissions will stab the soul; so sinful omissions will starve the soul.” Obedience to God in each day provides the day with more meaning and purpose. Do what is right. Go to sleep with no regrets. Approach the next day with the same desires. In time, you will not be consumed with the future, but rather you will enjoy moments God provides. This is a life not wasted.
What can you do today? Here are 7 closing challenges for you to consider.
- Forgive someone.
- Seek forgiveness from someone.
- Clean up your language; speak words of truth and joy.
- Eliminate gossip.
- Respect your family.
- Clean up your media/music intake.
- Give more than you receive.
Dave Snyder, Pastor, First Baptist Church
Local Pulse Editor’s Note:
Dave Snyder is a part of our Community Voices series. This dynamic group of Pensacola dwellers is dedicated to driving positive change in our city. They inspire progress and foster a stronger, more connected community through shared experiences, expert insights, and thoughtful perspectives on impactful topics.
