Grandmother praying
Life can present us with unexpected challenges, moments when we feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. For my grandmother, becoming a young widow and having to manage a family business while raising four children was one such time. Amidst her faith and community support, she often spoke of the old hymn “One Day at a Time” as a source of immense comfort and strength during those trying years. This timeless song, with its simple yet profound lyrics, became her daily mantra, helping her navigate each day with grace and resilience.
The chorus of this comforting hymn resonates deeply with anyone facing life’s daily battles:
One day at a time, sweet Jesus
That’s all I’m asking of You
Just give me the strength to do everyday
What I have to do
Oh, yesterday’s gone, sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine
Help me today
Show me the way
One day at a time
These words encapsulate a powerful message of surrendering our worries about the future and focusing on the present moment, trusting in divine strength to face each day. This sentiment is beautifully echoed in the teachings of Jesus himself.
In Matthew 6:34, Jesus wisely advises, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” This scripture reminds us that anxiety about the future is unproductive and that we are better served by concentrating on the tasks and challenges of the present day. By focusing on “today’s trouble,” we avoid being paralyzed by hypothetical future burdens.
The concept of living “one day at a time” is also illustrated in the Old Testament, during the Israelites’ forty-year journey in the desert.
God provided manna, their daily bread, in just enough quantities for each day. This divine provision taught them to rely on God’s daily sustenance and not to hoard or worry about future needs. Each morning brought a fresh supply, reinforcing the lesson of daily dependence and trust.
As a “Type A” personality and a mother of four, embracing the “one day at a time” approach is a continuous learning process. My natural inclination is to plan, schedule, and prepare extensively for the future. Calendars, lists, and reminders are my usual tools for managing a busy life. However, I’ve come to realize that over-planning can sometimes leave little room for spontaneity and, more importantly, for the Holy Spirit to work in my life.
A tightly packed schedule can make me feel impatient or even resentful when unexpected “interruptions” occur – a child needing extra attention, a sudden household issue, or simply a moment to connect with someone unexpectedly. When my focus is constantly on “what’s next,” I risk missing the opportunities and blessings embedded in the present day.
I admire a friend who intentionally builds buffer time into her errands, anticipating divine appointments. She goes out expecting God to use her encounters with people – a cashier, an old acquaintance, or a stranger – as opportunities for encouragement and connection. This perspective shifts mundane moments into potential acts of service and faith. Learning to create space for God within my busy schedule and prioritizing the present day is a personal goal I continually strive for.
Woman praying in church
Looking back at the year 2020, a year marked by global uncertainty and rapid change, I recognize how much practice we all had in living “day by day.” Each day brought new questions and anxieties related to the pandemic, forcing us to relinquish control and place our trust in God’s guidance.
Questions like, “When will life return to normal? Will loved ones stay healthy? How will we adapt to new restrictions?” filled our minds. Suddenly, meticulously planned calendars became irrelevant, replaced by question marks and blank spaces. Life as we knew it was disrupted, and we were compelled to rely on God’s grace for each unfolding day, regardless of the daily news cycle.
And the enduring truth is – God’s grace is always sufficient, His timing is perfect, and His mercies are indeed new every morning.
During those uncertain times, His grace manifested in countless ways:
- Dedicated teachers adapted to virtual learning, providing engaging online lessons.
- Communities found creative ways to celebrate milestones, like drive-by birthday parades.
- Churches transitioned to online platforms, bringing worship and fellowship into homes.
- School staff worked tirelessly to ensure safe and healthy learning environments.
- Educators and support teams made transitions to home learning as smooth as possible for families.
- Favorable weather allowed for safe outdoor gatherings and activities when indoor options were limited.
The list goes on, but the underlying message is clear: we navigated unprecedented times by learning to live “one day at a time.” This experience has undoubtedly strengthened and transformed us, fostering a deeper reliance on faith and resilience.
As 2 Corinthians 4:16 reminds us, “Therefore we do not give up. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Even amidst ongoing challenges, we can find inner strength and renewal by embracing each day as it comes, trusting in God’s constant presence.
Lord,
We are grateful for your guidance each day. We thank you for teaching us to live one day at a time, especially during challenging seasons. We praise you for your daily grace, your ever-new mercies, and for holding our hands and directing our steps through every moment.
In Jesus’ Name, we pray,
Amen.
Written by Ashley Walker.
