The Power of Today

Todd Richardson

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Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.

The above quote resonates with me and brings to mind various Bible verses. Jesus Himself said, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself” (Matthew 6:34). He also reminded a potential disciple, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

Why? Because whether past, present or future – the Lord is there and only He can take away the pain and regret of the past, calm our worried mind about the potential dread of the future and give us a way to escape the stressors of the here and now.  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

Even though we cannot do anything about yesterday or tomorrow – we can do something about today.

First, we learn from scripture that today is a gift from the Lord. Yesterday is no more, therefore it does us no good to live in the past.  Nor is it wise to miss out on the “now” by continually daydreaming about the future. The psalmist wrote, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24).

Second, we learn from scripture that today is the time for salvation. We cannot find redemption in yesterday. Only today is there hope of reconciliation with the God of heaven. As Paul would say, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Third, we learn from scripture that only while it is called “today” do we have the opportunity to encourage others. “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13).

Don’t fret about yesterday. It’s over! And don’t wait until tomorrow to get started on the right path when you can begin anew now. While there is nothing that you can do about yesterday or tomorrow, you CAN do something now. There is power in TODAY!