When I retired from my job with the federal government, I was excited that my time would now be my own—free to do my Biblical counseling, teaching, mentoring, whatever I wanted. Liberated from the bonds of forced labor—I was my own man! Oh Boy, was I wrong!
If there is anything I have learned over the last year-and-a-half, it is that my TIME is not my own any more than my life is my own (1 Cor. 6:19). And I am learning to live one day at a time.
One day at a time doesn’t mean we shouldn't plan. Solomon says “the mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9). James says "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that [our plans]" (4:15). We need to prayerfully set goals, thoughtfully make plans, take specific actions and make appointments. But we must watch our expectations. It is one thing to plan and quite another to demand that the plan work out the way we want it too. That is preempting God’s sovereign right to direct (or redirect) our steps to accomplish HIS purposes.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. (Mat 6:27, 31-34 NLT). In other words, Live one day at a time.
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