Tomorrow’s Worries Today
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” – Matthew 6:34 (NRSV)
The first week of October was “Mental Illness Awareness Week,” launching “National Depression and Awareness Month.” But many of us are acutely and chronically aware of our mental health throughout the entire year.
I’ve lived with depression, anxiety, and ADHD for decades now. It’s a thorn in my side that impacts every aspect of my life. Most often, it’s an exhausting burden. In odd ways, sometimes it’s a gift. Those moments are rare and precious, and bring some relief. I appreciate them in the present and hold onto them for the future. But the rest of the time?
Anxiety and depression can cause us to pre-worry about all of the trouble that we can dream up. Our brains are adept at creating fantastical future disasters fueled by the kindling of past wounds.
But Jesus said: “Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
This has become one of my many mantras to soothe my anxious mind. We carry the past, we consider the future, yet we can only deal with the present. Sometimes the present we can handle is the day, and sometimes it’s simply the present moment. But whatever trouble or worry the present brings, it is enough. Future troubles might be restlessly knocking on my door, but I let them know they’ll have to wait their turn.
Surrendering anxiety about tomorrow’s trouble frees us to process today’s. And Jesus told us that today’s trouble is enough.
Prayer
Calm my anxious mind, Holy One. Fill me with deep breaths of the Holy Spirit. Sit with me as I breathe through today’s troubles, and stay with me when I wrestle with tomorrow’s. Amen.
About the AuthorChris Mereschuk is an Unsettled Pastor in the Southern New England Conference with a call to transitional ministry.