Day 39 – Issue 15

Be Still Know

Matthew 6:34 (NLT)

‘So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.’

Perhaps the hardest part of being present with God and enjoying God’s presence is the fact that we find it very difficult to be present ourselves. We are forever focussed upon something that hasn’t occurred yet. For years I lived consumed with my future schedule. When I’m thinking something through I immediately detach from the present. What’s more, I’m told by a very patient wife that if we’re out walking she knows when I am intently thinking since I either speed up or tighten my hold into a vice like grip around her hand, sometimes both. She helpfully pulls me back from the future into the now moment.

Jesus reminds us that today is all that need concern us, for today we have no power to meet tomorrow’s challenges effectively. Yet, we all require some help in learning to live in the present.

First let’s practice becoming aware of the world around us. Identify something beautiful, meaningful, and endearing. Noticing small things brightens my day and be thankful for little things that can otherwise go unnoticed.

Secondly, slow down and savour all that you hear, see, smell and feel. Approach every task, mundane or exciting, with a sense of enquiry and wonder. God is in everything.

Next, smile, cheering yourself up and others around you. I aim to smile at everyone, and such smiles normally draw a warm response and create a bridge for conversation

Then, commit random, spontaneous acts of kindness for others.  This means becoming aware of your environment and responding or you won’t even notice the opportunities. 

Fifthly, minimize activities that dull your awareness of the moment like watching TV daydreaming or reading. Start living in the moment. Be active, not passive.

Finally, be thankful for what is. There’s a great quote, “What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” Think about all the things, positive and challenging, that you have in your life you can be thankful for. This will bring you back to the present, rather than thinking of what could have been or what you hope will be.

QUESTION: How effectively do you live in the present?

PRAYER: Father, there is so much to be thankful for, open my eyes and heart to be able to count my blessings again.