The year 2021 has started, and what it will bring, we don’t know for sure. We are well aware that not much has changed since January 1st at midnight, as all around the world, people of every tongue proceeded to greet each other with cheerful happy-new-years. We also understand that there’s a strong possibility that in the upcoming months, we will face the same challenges, pay the same bills and fight the same temptations as last year.
But there is one thing we are unable to predict: The Future. Speculations aside, what will really happen between now and December? No one knows but God, and we should not be worried about it, because there is something more important for us to focus on: Today!
The Right Time Is Now
Think about it: all we really have is now, so why don’t we let go of the future? Of course, as humans, we like to – and should – plan things ahead in the hope of a better tomorrow. But as you realize that everything you need is already available to you today, you will be more open to the God-given opportunities that surround you. Apostle Paul reminded us that God’s greatest promises are not days, months or years away. They are now:
“At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2, NLT)
If you need God’s help, forgiveness or salvation, now might be the best time to ask. Why wait for tomorrow? Our heavenly Father is everlasting, eternally present, and willing to meet with us where we are through His Spirit. Please don’t wait, call on him!
Let Tomorrow Worry About Itself
Even before Paul penned his letter to the early Christians, Jesus had invited a great crowd of believers to update their priorities by putting the interests of God’s kingdom at the top of their list:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34, NIV)
In light of this, we have good reason to believe that Jesus’ calendar had one date on it: the current one. This doesn’t mean that the future is no longer important or relevant. Rather, Jesus knew that there is enough work to do, enough prayers to pray, enough leftovers problems from the day before, and enough new things to focus on as you wake up every morning to keep your mind, soul and body busy in such a way that it will automatically have an impact on your future. So why should you worry about tomorrow? Let tomorrow worry about itself since all you really have is now!
We have good reason to believe that Jesus’ calendar had one date on it: the current one.
Here’s another good reason to let go of the future and to focus on now:
“I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: “Now God’s home is with people! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.” (Revelation 21:3-4, GNB)
The Secret To Success
You see? God is already taking care of our future, and it’s looking pretty bright! What he asks us in return is to simply receive his salvation and seek his kingdom and righteousness as we walk with him day by day. So much of what we do as we look to the future is aimed at achieving some success (however we define it). But the secret to success is not to worry about the future; the secret is to take good care of what matters today – that is, God’s will and the good works he has prepared in advance for you to do.
Has it ever occurred to you that the Creator of all things, the one who knows what tomorrow holds, also knows a thing or two about succeeding in life? Also, there’s a reason why he wants us to move in this world one day at a time. If you take today seriously enough to give it everything you got, even in the midst of uncertainty, and if you value trusting him daily with your life even when there are threats all around, in 2021 you’ll be alright.
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