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“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3

For years I have been a weather watcher….now don’t think for a moment that I understand the scientific things concerning rain, storms, clouds, etc. I simply check the weather every night before I get my clothes ready for work. I browse weather.com if I’m traveling. And if I’m going to the beach, you will definitely find me checking that forecast the week before, days before and the morning of. Praying and hope the sun will shine. While the weatherman isn’t 100% on target – he typically doesn’t miss the mark often. So I lean towards trusting his forecast.

Why this crazy obsession? I want to know. I want to know how to dress. I want to know what to expect so I won’t be disappointed. I want to not get caught in a downpour with no umbrella. I want….and the list is endless.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our lives could be so easily previewed and programmable? There are definitely  moments I truly wish I could envision what lies ahead. There are many times when my mind wanders and lingers over what I perceive could be a possibility. And yet there are equally moments when I feel the future is better left in the future. Unknowns before their time can pivot us into fear, apprehension and paralysis.

My resolve gives in as I realize it’s best that I don’t know. Why? Because it is the unknown events of our lives that draw us to the feet of Jesus faster than anything else. It’s in those moments that God produces growth, character and endurance within us. It’s what compels our hearts to move from knowledge of God to fully trusting the character of the One who is sustaining us. It’s exactly what births the surrender of our will to His perfect plan.

When Jesus instructed the twelve to pray for “daily bread,” he was inviting us to do the same – to zero in on today and leave the future in His capable hands. To transition our focus to being a life watcher – an observer who pays attention to what God is teaching us daily. Good, hard, easy, challenging, joyful and sad – pivotal moments to lean in close and listen for His voice.

Love this encouragement from My Jesus Calling calendar “You cannot dread a day that is vibrant with My Presence.”

There are lots of unknowns we won’t understand,  yet the presence of God surrounds us every day and that’s something we can count on. The sheer beauty of Him moving in and through our moments ushers in a beauty we never dreamed possible. So if we zero in on tomorrow then we miss the essence of His presence today. The choice is up to you and me – soak up His presence, observe what God is showing us today and leave the future in His capable hands.

“Father help us to resist the urge to overlook today because our gaze is focused on tomorrow. Settle our heart, mind and spirit so we can enjoy Your presence moment by moment – filled with Your peace.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life