“Wherefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you will hear His Voice. . .”
Hebrews 3:7
When we live with this Reality, we need never worry about what’s past or is yet to be.
Today.
This present moment. The blessed “Now” (II Cor. 6:2b).
How do you view it? As something to be endured or enjoyed? Something to be cherished or little more than a “fleeting fancy”?
We know we can do nothing about yesterday, for it is “vanished away as a vapor before the early morning sun” (James 3:13-14). Likewise, we can do nothing about tomorrow—for it is yet to be and filled with many uncertainties and “unknowns”—although we can do what we can to prepare for it the best we know how.
But, when it’s all said and done, Today is the day on which we must focus. And, invest. And, “redeem” (Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5). And, prepare. And, repent.
And, above all, “Listen”. . .so we can “hear His Voice”. . .whispering our name. . .and wooing us to Himself even as the Good Shepherd beckons His Sheep.
What “weights and sins from yesterday that so easily beset you or trip you up” (Heb. 12:1b) are you still dragging around with you like some prisoner would a ball-and-chain? What regrets or loads of guilt are still weighing down heavily on you, even though you claim to be a recipient of Grace? Could it be that you’re “saved by Grace,” but not resting in it?
If so, “Today, if you will hear His Voice. . .Today, if you’d be cleansed from your guilt. . . Today, if you would be freed from you worries. . .Today, if you would receive ‘beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness’ (Is. 61:3a). . . hear His Voice. . .softly calling unto you. . . ‘Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy-laden and I will give you rest’ (Mt. 11:28).”
Is there someone whom you need to forgive or from whom you need forgiveness? Give and seek it TODAY. Is there someone to whom the Lord has told you to “give a cup of cold water in His Name” (Mt. 10:42), but you’ve been putting off doing it? If so, give it TODAY.
Remember: As someone once said, “Expression without expression can lead to depression.”
Do not allow the hustle-and-bustle of a jam-packed schedule to cause you to sacrifice the important on the altar of the urgent. Again, life’s too short to be engaged in “much to do about nothing.”
Prioritize. Fulfill God’s Purpose in your life. Pursue it passionately. Then, “all these things will be added unto you” (Mt. 6:33).
And, what might those things be?
Quite simply, the pleasure of His Smile and the comforting reassurance of His Voice. TODAY’s your day, Pilgrim. It’s God Gift to you. Use it wisely—and for Christ’s Glory.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated November 4, 2010
