My mum has had some recent significant health challenges. While chatting to her the other day, I was able to use one of her sayings back to her. “Mum,” I said, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, just get through today.” I can recall her softly saying this during moments of angst when I was a kid. Little did I realise at the time that this is a paraphrase of Matthew 6:34 that states, "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow; for tomorrow shall be anxious for its own things.” I love the simplicity of this saying as it helps me to focus on what’s at hand rather than be fearful, consumed or overwhelmed by what may be!
Each of us at some point in our life experiences feelings of anxiety. When these feelings grow they can manage to grab hold of us. Often it may start with a small concern and then over time our imaginations run wild. Before we know it, our minds are doing cartwheels and our stomachs are tied up in knots because we are feeling fearful! At times during the various stages of restrictions, this is exactly how I’ve felt. This is not a pleasant space to be in.
I once heard a keynote address that was critiquing modern culture. The presenter put up a series of pictures from various magazines and posed the question: ‘What do you notice?’ The response the speaker was looking for was the expression on the faces of those photographed. Each person had a blank look; there was no joy, no hope, and no life in their faces or their eyes. The speaker drew the conclusion that these were the faces of a generation that is gripped by fear. They were photos of a generation between the ages of 14 and 24. Studies have revealed that, for a large number within this age range, the greatest expressed fear is the future.
What a sad state to be in. As I reflected on this comment, the words of Roman 8 came to mind. Words that spoke hope into a fear filled situation. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:31
An understanding of God’s character profoundly shaped the behaviour and attitude of the early Christians. An Athenian diplomat to the Emperor Hadrian said: ‘These Christians who know and trust their God are prepared for anything that comes their way for they believe that no matter what happens to them, their God will always be there!’ I love the phrase; their God will always be there. What a way to face the future!
Followers of Jesus, in every age have clung to a simple yet profound truth that, though often repeated, still carries a powerful message; we may not know what tomorrow holds but we know who holds tomorrow!
A follower of Jesus isn’t immune from worry or angst but they do have the reminder that enables them to be free from the paralysis of wondering what tomorrow holds and to have instead the confidence to live one day at a time.
My prayer for the Heathdale community is that we can live lives in the strength of God’s promises. Because He’s there, He knows our future and He will lead us each step of the way. As such we will be a people who walk in confidence, delighting in the One who holds tomorrow.