Do you remember the country song, One day at a time? It was written in the 1970s by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson. The hymn’s opening line says, “One day at a time, sweet Jesus.
That’s all I’m asking of You…”. Wilkin wrote the opening lines after a pastoral counseling session. The song results from someone crying out to God after tying the knot at the end of the rope and holding on for dear life.
However, Jesus actually asks that (one day at a time) of his disciples. In what we call the sermon on the mount in the New Testament book of Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples not to take thought about tomorrow. He tells them that today has enough to be concerned about.
But, anyway, the song’s words ran through my mind, and it prompted me to ask, who does that anymore? Do you know anyone who does not have (back in the day, it was a day planner) a calendar app on their phone? Granted, my 84-year-old dad used a flip phone; but almost everyone lives by their calendar.
Does that mean that the Christian population is ignoring the word of God by not following the teachings of Jesus? The answer to that question is not for this writing (but yes). The answer lies in understanding what Jesus instructs his followers to do. Although sound wisdom, it does not reflect what Jesus asks Christ-followers to do. The language of the King James Version says, “Take no thought for tomorrow…”, or as I understood it, do not let tomorrow cross your mind. Keep your attention on today.
In the New Testament book of James, the Apostle expands this thought by saying if it is the Lord’s will, tomorrow this and that will be done. That puts it in perspective. Life is to be lived entirely, including all the tomorrows that will come, but it is to be lived daily using all of your physical ability.
Let me explain. Your emotions are to be focused on right now and not right then—at some point in the future. Your presence of mind is focused on now, which gives you clear understanding of what is before you. Your determination is to be focused on right now, thereby strengthening you to take the next step.
What this does NOT mean
This does not mean that you are not to plan for future things. While pastoring, I allotted several hours a day to practice my Sunday sermon. In my business, I focus on preparing to meet with my client. When I sit down with my wife or children, I give them my undivided attention. Each of these things is in the “now.”
This does not mean you live life by the “seat of your” pants with no focus to your life. A close personal relationship with the godhead prepares you for the day. Jesus got up before daylight to spend time with his Father. During that time, God the Holy Spirit prepared him for the events of his day. Jesus did not sit on a hillside in a yoga position waiting for people to stop by; he went wherever because the Father has a plan.
Humanity is made in the image and likeness of God, which means you can think, reason, and respond. This does not mean that you are supposed to spend hours upon hours waiting until you hear something from God. You are to seek God’s counsel but not waste your day under the guise of waiting on God.
Finally, Wilkin took the pastor’s counsel to thank God for her troubles. As she did, God showed up in a manner that she understood by giving her the lyrics to a song—which became a hit!
One day at a time is what Jesus asks you to do. Plan your plans, seek out all the counsel you can find, and joyfully live your life—one day at a time.