I’d like to use this post to offer some good thoughts from a couple of well-known Independent Baptist preachers who have gone on to be with the Lord. The first one comes from Tom Malone. After quoting Deuteronomy 33:25, which reads: “As thy days, so shall thy strength be”, Malone said, “I’m glad He didn’t say, ‘As thy strength, so shall thy days be.’”
The second one comes from Curtis Hutson. He wrote:
Most people live either in the past or in the future. They talk about how it used to be or how it’s going to be someday. In so doing, they miss life altogether. Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” In other words, don’t borrow from tomorrow. Someone suggested that worrying is using today’s strength on tomorrow’s problems.
You’ve heard this little adage: “Yesterday is a canceled check; tomorrow is a promissory note; today is the only cash you have, so spend it wisely.” A friend once asked, “Do you know how to eat an elephant?” “No,” I replied. “One bite at a time,” he smiled and said. Years ago I saw a church sign which read, “Yard by yard is mighty hard, but inch by inch is a cinch.”
I have to admit that I spend too much time looking back longingly on the past. I also have to admit, though, that I spend even more time looking ahead to how it’s going to be someday. You see, I’ve been trying to get “there” for a good many years now. As for where “there” is, it’s just some idealized place I’ve got conjured up in my mind. Actually, it changes every so often. That’s why I can never say for sure where it is, let alone when I might arrive at it.
But what makes me think that everything will be wonderful “there” anyway? As far as this earthly life goes, is there any place that doesn’t offer some sort of struggle and travail? Not really. Therefore, as Christians, the best we can do is have a good attitude about today and do our best for Christ where we are at this very second. Looking back to where we once were, or looking ahead to where we plan to be, just isn’t the way the Lord wants us to live.
The Disciple's Road 
I am so guilty of longing for the past and questioning why things happened in the past. This is a great way to put all of that in prospective. Thanks!!.
You’re welcome, Christy.
We were at everyone’s favorite store today (Walmart) 🙂 and a young lady who was the greeter was happy, cheerful, smiling, and welcomed all shoppers with a smile and a welcome. I thought ‘they aren’t paying her enough.’ And I also watched how people responded to her. Pretty hard not to smile back! She didn’t seem worried about tomorrow!
Bill Graham said “Remember, Today is the Tomorrow you worried about Yesterday.”
I remind myself of Matthew 6:34 more often than I want to admit, too, but Jesus takes care of tomorrow – and we should learn to let Him do just that.
Great post.
Thanks, Myron. That’s a great quote from Billy Graham.
Yes and amen! Stop and smell the roses, once in awhile.
Absolutely!
Perhaps your best post
Hey, that’s high praise from a man who doesn’t blow sunshine much. lol