Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34
Do you ever struggle with living fully in the moment because you are too focused on the “better” future? I call this Tomay Disease, and I have a bad case of it. Symptoms of this disease include not being patient enough to listen to others well, not being able to relax and needing something to “do” constantly, spending more time being social with media than with people, a lack of focus during Bible study and prayer, and a need to feel like you are making a “real” difference in the world and that your life “matters.”
Friends we all are sick of Covid-19 living, and are longing for the freedom and fellowship that we now realize that we took for granted before this virus invaded our lives. Life is so unpredictable and it seems like life is getting even more unpredictable as we accelerate towards the Lord’s return to gather His Bride, the church. We are arguing about politics, flags, statues, skin color, masks, and kneeling. As believers we shouldn’t be surprised at the chaos in the world. Jesus warned us that our enemy the devil hates us, and his ultimate goal is to separate and alienate believers… to kill steal and destroy. If our enemy can continue to keep our eyes on the chaos we can’t focus as well on the One who promised us abundant life, Jesus Christ (John 10:10)
When things are chaotic and difficult it’s easy to want to live past the moment into the “better” future isn’t it? If only they would find a cure for this stupid virus. If only I could have this degree, this job or this promotion. If only I could have this car or this house. If only I could have this much money saved up or could retire early. If only I could be in full time ministry. If you are not careful, you can miss the moments that truly matter by focusing on the imagined “better” future that may never materialize.
Jesus’ half brother, James, warmed us about the folly and consequences of Tomay’s Disease when he said, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14)
I hate to break it to you this morning, but we really don’t have very much control over our lives. We are like fog in the morning friends. I am not saying that we shouldn’t plan for our future, or have dreams of a “better” life, I’m just realizing that we have to be careful not to be so focused on the destination that we miss the journey along the way. Maybe God’s plan for our lives IS the journey and we may never reach the destination that we are looking towards. Maybe He will change the destination along the way. He’s God and He has the right to use us in any way that He sees fit doesn’t He? Do you trust Jesus for your todays and your tomorrow? Do you truly trust Him? Or are you like me, and sometimes you are in too much of a hurry to get to the mission that you miss the everyday miracles all around you?
If you God to slow you down long enough to listen to the Holy Spirit and to the people that God has placed around you, you will be amazed at what happens. Tomorrow will lose some of its appeal and you will realize that today is really not that bad. The cure for Tomay’s Disease is the fruit of patience, the balm of contentment and the joy of walking (and not running) with our Lord Jesus. I love you brothers and sisters. It’s OK to slow me down when you see me running again 🙂
Manna and Coffee 