How often have I failed to take the first step because I couldn’t figure out what the next steps should be? Or the times I’ve hesitated about a new opportunity because I couldn’t see the outcome?
I’m reminded of the saying that encourages us to take the next right step. One day at a time.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Chinese Proverb
Sure, this is a good saying but there’s also a Biblical perspective that encourages us to take life one day at a time.
Biblical Encouragement for One Day at a Time
Unless the Lord builds the house…
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Psalm 127:1
This might not be the first scripture that comes to mind when you think about taking life one day at a time. But it reminds me that rather than get caught up in what the next steps or outcome will be, I just need to focus on putting God first.
God never lets me down when I acknowledge that He’s the One in charge. He knows what comes next. I just need to trust Him and step forward in faith.
Why worry about tomorrow?
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Focus on now. Not tomorrow. Not next week, next month or next year. Who knows what will happen then? What you have is right now. This very moment.
How will you use it?
Of course, I am not at all suggesting that you shouldn’t plan for the future. By now, you probably know how much I love to plan ahead. I believe that God calls us to be good stewards of our time, set meaningful goals and fix our eyes on the prize. To do that, we must take the next step.
We followed his suggestion for that day’s activity and everyone had a blast. I stayed present in the moment and didn’t worry about what would happen next.
The next day took care of itself. And the day after, and the day after that.
Life isn’t going to reveal itself in big blocks. As a matter of fact, as long as we’re on this side of heaven the future will remain a mystery to us. The encouragement we have is that life is not a mystery to God.
While the way forward might seem unclear, I know God’s got this.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
How about you?
What does your next right step look like today?
Maybe it’s calling that friend.
Choosing your workout clothes for tomorrow, today.
Opening your Bible (or Bible app) even if you only have two minutes to spare.
Take the step, my friend. God’s got this!
He will continue to guide you one step at a time. One day at a time.
Feel like you hardly have time for the things that fill you up? By now you know I can relate!
That’s why I created this time management course just for us.
Time to Shine will help you mind your minutes so you have time for the things and people that matter most.
This course is back for a limited time at a special price. If you missed it last time, now is the time to grab it before it goes away. See details here.
Great reminder especially since I have a nack for becoming overwhelmed when my plans aren’t ‘just right’. Focusing on the moment/day and being flexible with God’s plans make room for enjoyable moments.
Failing to take the first step because I don’t know what the next steps should be…I can’t even explain how much I needed to hear these words for this season I’m in now. Taking my first step actually this week, so thank you for such timely encouragement! Happy to feature your post this week on Fresh Market Friday! Hugs, Crystal
Crystal, I’m so happy these words encouraged you today, dear friend. God is never too late, never too early, always on time.
Thanks for featuring my post and shining light on God’s goodness.
Blessings to you!
I’m so glad it resonated with you, Tasha. Always a blessing having you here for a visit!
Tamisays
Thank you so much for the prayer covering for my current needs. I felt a load lift from knowing that you talked to God on my behalf! Ever grateful that I’ve been lighter in spirit and heart these last 2 days! Bless you and your very special ministry, a reflection of your love and support through what Jesus does in and through you!
Oh, Tami, how very kind of you to stop by and share those words. You don’t know how much they mean to me.
You are indeed a blessing!
Rebecca Jonessays
I like to plan and organize to and not wait until the last minute, of course that doesn’t always work out. Glad to know He is the God of every moment and His plans are better.
Thanks so much for sharing these encouraging insights to be present in the moment, because our God is the God of EVERY moment and He has called us to an abundant life to enjoy Him in.
I love how you expressed that, Karen. He’s the God of EVERY moment, especially the ones I feel didn’t go as planned. He’s the Master Weaver working it all out for His glory!
Wishing you blessings!
Tamisays
P.s. last comment was supposed to be… “Started to heap all the guilt (not guitar) etc”… (Spell check..argh!)
Yes, spell check and auto-correct tend to do their own thing sometimes. I’ve got you covered, though. 😉
Tamisays
God is so amazing! I was restless, trying to sleep, awaken by thoughts of a recent unexpected move and feeling the stress of unpacking and organizing, topped with a couple rough days in my work place. Dealing with the public can be harsh and I had a few encounters that disrupted my peace greatly. I woke up in the middle of the night restless and began praying and thanking the Lord for my job and family…. still restless. Got up and found this perfect message at this perfect time. Thank you for your honesty about daily life and the need to keep centered in knowing God’s got us covered. Seems simple, yet as you so perfectly put it we start to heap all the guilt etc. on ourselves when our focus is “me”. I’m off to enjoy the rest and peace of this night thanks to the timing and peace of God and your message. Blessed, restored and sparkling again!
Tami, I’m so glad that this message made it’s way to you at the perfect time. I love when God’s timing is so obvious to us — it’s always a great reminder of how much He cares for us.
I pray you will find great peace in this new move, with your interactions at work and with all the day to day challenges that come your way. One day at a time. 🙂
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Great reminder especially since I have a nack for becoming overwhelmed when my plans aren’t ‘just right’. Focusing on the moment/day and being flexible with God’s plans make room for enjoyable moments.
Awesome.
This is great, Marva! I often say I’m just a girl asking God, “What’s next?” One step at a time. One day at a time. This was encouraging. Thank you!
Pinned.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
This post first appeared on SunSparkleShine in 2018 and was updated August 2019. I hope you enjoy it.
Failing to take the first step because I don’t know what the next steps should be…I can’t even explain how much I needed to hear these words for this season I’m in now. Taking my first step actually this week, so thank you for such timely encouragement! Happy to feature your post this week on Fresh Market Friday! Hugs, Crystal
Crystal, I’m so happy these words encouraged you today, dear friend. God is never too late, never too early, always on time.
Thanks for featuring my post and shining light on God’s goodness.
Blessings to you!
A great reminder that each day is a gift! Taking that with me today. Thanks for sharing, friend! 😊 Stopping by from #CountingMyBlessings
Thanks for hopping over from #CountingMyBlessings, Laura. I always love hanging out at Deb’s place.
Thanks Marva. I had to share this one. It echoes my inner call to take things slowly.
I’m so glad it resonated with you, Tasha. Always a blessing having you here for a visit!
Thank you so much for the prayer covering for my current needs. I felt a load lift from knowing that you talked to God on my behalf! Ever grateful that I’ve been lighter in spirit and heart these last 2 days! Bless you and your very special ministry, a reflection of your love and support through what Jesus does in and through you!
Tami
Oh, Tami, how very kind of you to stop by and share those words. You don’t know how much they mean to me.
You are indeed a blessing!
I like to plan and organize to and not wait until the last minute, of course that doesn’t always work out. Glad to know He is the God of every moment and His plans are better.
You’re so right, Rebecca — his plans are always better. I just wish I could remember that when I rush ahead on my own strength. Lol 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing these encouraging insights to be present in the moment, because our God is the God of EVERY moment and He has called us to an abundant life to enjoy Him in.
I love how you expressed that, Karen. He’s the God of EVERY moment, especially the ones I feel didn’t go as planned. He’s the Master Weaver working it all out for His glory!
Wishing you blessings!
P.s. last comment was supposed to be… “Started to heap all the guilt (not guitar) etc”… (Spell check..argh!)
Yes, spell check and auto-correct tend to do their own thing sometimes. I’ve got you covered, though. 😉
God is so amazing! I was restless, trying to sleep, awaken by thoughts of a recent unexpected move and feeling the stress of unpacking and organizing, topped with a couple rough days in my work place. Dealing with the public can be harsh and I had a few encounters that disrupted my peace greatly. I woke up in the middle of the night restless and began praying and thanking the Lord for my job and family…. still restless. Got up and found this perfect message at this perfect time. Thank you for your honesty about daily life and the need to keep centered in knowing God’s got us covered. Seems simple, yet as you so perfectly put it we start to heap all the guilt etc. on ourselves when our focus is “me”. I’m off to enjoy the rest and peace of this night thanks to the timing and peace of God and your message. Blessed, restored and sparkling again!
Tami, I’m so glad that this message made it’s way to you at the perfect time. I love when God’s timing is so obvious to us — it’s always a great reminder of how much He cares for us.
I pray you will find great peace in this new move, with your interactions at work and with all the day to day challenges that come your way. One day at a time. 🙂
Be blessed, dear friend!