Living in the Moment

By Marilyn Travis

C.S. Lewis wrote, “Never, in peace or war, commit your virtue or your happiness to the future. Happy work is best done by the man who takes his long-term plans somewhat lightly and works from moment to moment ‘as to the Lord.’ It is only our daily bread that we are encouraged to ask for. The present is the only time in which any duty can be done or any grace received.”

I have trouble living in the moment. I often make plans for the day/week/month/year, then look back in dismay at how many things I’ve left undone. To remedy the situation, I make new lists and plans! It’s a never-ending cycle. A few weeks ago, those of us who contribute devotionals decided to focus on topics relevant to Lent. I developed a plan, and decided to focus on one aspect of prayer, developing it more each week. It was a beautiful plan – I have not followed it at all! Maybe next year. . . . . WAIT!

At least I caught myself this time!

Jesus teaches us to live moment by moment, day by day. There are many verses I could quote, and I encourage you to delve into a study of what scripture says about the topic. The one verse that really stands out to me today is:

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Each day is a rich and precious gift from God, with new grace and new opportunities. Jesus says that we have only this one day, and we must not be anxious for the day tomorrow. I’m sure Jesus is more interested in my heart and thoughts at this moment than He is in my plan for future devotionals. It is perhaps the greatest lesson I’ve learned this Lenten season. Stop. Spend this moment with Jesus. He is with me always. He will never leave me, never forsake me.

Does this mean I never need to make plans? No, of course not. I just need to follow the advice of C.S. Lewis and never commit my virtue or my happiness to the future. Plans are great, and a useful tool, but I must rely on the Lord alone, moment by moment – not on my plans or lists!

The hymn Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment, written in the 1800’s by Lina Sandell Berg, is lovely and timely. Below is a link for a version by Bryan Gilliland. I usually look for video with beautiful pictures and lyrics, but this has no pictures. I want you to focus on the lyrics. It is a blessing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5DXzz-eECI

God bless you this very moment!