After my husband’s overseas job contract was not renewed, we were without an income for 18 months. We had to give up our spacious apartment in downtown Dubai for a few bedrooms in my parent’s house in rural East Texas. We lost our friends. We lost our church. It was devastating.
This one concept helped me survive: tackle today.
The Bible puts it this way in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (ESV)
In a crisis, your mind will race. This big bill. On no! That big payment. My credit score? No health care? Yikes! Should I keep that appointment? What about that trip I planned? Our schooling? Our future is in jeopardy! What about this?! What about that?!
As each anxiety invades your mind, cast it to God in prayer, because God cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). And tackle today.
Like this: “God, I am so worried about ______________. Please, help me. You know my needs. You know the situation. Please, please take care of this. For today, please help me to see clearly what my priorities should be. Give me strength and grace to do what pleases you today. In Jesus’s precious name, Amen.”
After you cast your cares on God, think.
- Are there any essential tasks that must be completed today?
- What manageable concrete task could I do that would be beneficial?
- How can I make quality time with God and loved ones happen?
1. If baby must have more diapers today. Make a plan. Find a way. Essential tasks will not magically complete themselves. Get help, if needed. Do what needs to be done.
2. Break big overwhelming tasks like “find healthcare” into small baby steps. For example, today you could look online at your state’s qualifications for medicaid. Each day find a new task that will either inform you or take you one step in a possible direction.
3. Don’t give in to the temptation to isolate yourself from God and loved ones. This is the time to lean on them and feel their love. Don’t miss out!
When you get to the end of the day, rejoice. Thank God for getting you through one more day and be grateful for any accomplishments, no matter how small.
Your crisis may pass quickly. But it may also drag on for months, even years. You will get through, if you tackle one day at a time. Do not be discouraged. God led you here, He is with you all the way, and He will lead you out in His time.
Tackle today. Just today. Let God handle the rest.
Words of Worship for God 