Living by the Day: Freedom from Anxious Forethought

Our Lord's command to "take no thought for the morrow" uses merimna (anxiety) in its fullest sense—not prudent planning, but the distraction that robs present joy. The question naturally arises: Is not the Christian character a provident one? Yes; but Christ drives us to live by the day, letting each day's affairs fill each day's thoughts alone.

Consider the threefold benefit: First, as respects our pleasures—how can a man enjoy what lies before him when his mind is disturbed about the future? Second, as respects our pains—what makes suffering painful is the thought that it will continue indefinitely. Third, as respects our duties—the secret of excellence is concentration on the present task.

We should concern ourselves only with the sins and cares of the current day. As with our transgressions, so with our sorrows. The trouble which actually comes is very often not the trouble we expected.

This quiet dependence upon Elohim is our happiness, usefulness, strength, and security. The secret of getting through work is taking the work of the day and leaving all that does not belong to it. Although a man leaves all to the Almighty and is happy in Christ, he is not exempt from evil—but he is exempt from the added burden of imagined future suffering. Christianity is calculated to make men happy by freeing them from the tyranny of tomorrow.