Give us this day our daily bread.—Matthew 6:11 (NRSV)
Today was one of those days when life seemed tenuous and uncertain. The world was ensnared in conflict and crisis. Over breakfast, my wife, Beth, and I discussed my approaching retirement from Mercer University and all we had left to prepare. Later, we sat at the same kitchen table and paid bills, seldom a comforting task. And as I looked at my calendar, I realized it was time for my annual physical examination. Something about this series of events and reminders set me on edge. I turned to my best friend—my young golden retriever, Lexi—and she gladly took me on a long walk.
As we rambled, I quietly grumbled and fought the clutch of anxiety. After a mile or two, sensibility and equilibrium slowly returned. I heard my own prayer voice quietly intone, “Give us this day our daily bread.”
I think these seven words kept Jesus sane and balanced. He, too, learned that when you walk in partnership with God, you take life one day at a time. You focus on “this day.” It may sound trite and elementary, but learning to live one good day at a time is foundational to happiness, contentment, and spiritual wholeness.
Sometimes we have to rediscover the same basic truths that have guided our lives for years, and this is one of those truths that make all the difference.
Father, may I hear Your voice whisper, “One day at a time. One day at a time. Simply one day at a time.” Amen.
Adapted from Walking in Grace
