Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. —Jesus from Matthew 6:34, NIV.

Not long ago, I confessed to some trusted friends that I was struggling with my not-so-great outlook on an extremely busy season of life filled with challenges and a lot of unknowns. In the moment of my confession, the Holy Spirit seemed to inspire me to utter these words: “My problem is that I am looking at the whole mountain and trying to climb it all in one day. I need to take the next best step in front of me each day and trust that God is with me and goes before me.”

While I don’t have experience in mountain climbing, I do know something about hiking mountains. My best friend from childhood, Joel, lives in the Colorado Springs area. We make periodic trips to visit him and his wife, Staci. They are experienced mountain hikers (and climbers), having hiked to the summit of all 58 of the Colorado mountains that exceed 14,000 feet. In fact, many years ago, our family joined them for a hike to the summit of Quandary Peak (14,272 ft). The hike took time, a steady pace, some good protein snacks for proper nourishment, hydration, and rest stops along the way.

As challenging as Quandary Peak was for our family, who had never experienced hiking a 14er, my most difficult hike was in early January 2021 on Raspberry Mountain near Teller County, Colorado. Raspberry’s elevation of 10,500 feet pales in comparison to the Colorado 14ers. So, what made this hike so difficult? It was the circumstances. I was recovering from a bout with Covid in the weeks leading up to the trip. On top of that, it was snowing! Not just flurries here and there. It was a steady snow that was heavy at times, making the trail more challenging to navigate. Each step through the snow seemed to require more energy than the last. But we persevered and made it, thanks to my friend’s knowledge of the trail and the best paths to take to reach the summit. He guided our steps to reach our destination at the summit and then back down to the trailhead.

Why all this talk about hiking? In hiking, one cannot go from the trailhead to the summit and then back to the trailhead all at once. The hiker can only take one step at a time, while still focusing on the goal of reaching the summit (and the lesser goal of getting back to the vehicle you left at the trailhead!).

In a similar manner, Jesus instructs His followers not to live too many days at once, but to take one day at a time and receive each day as a gift from God, even when the circumstances of the day are not favorable. God, whose presence is the real gift of each day, is with us. Hear me. Jesus isn’t saying we should not plan ahead. He’s saying don’t liveahead. When I try to live too many days at once, I find myself focused on and worried about the intimidating circumstances of life, which results in fear and anxiety. In my fear and anxiety, my soul is filled with impatience, frustration, and restlessness.

Jesus invites us to a different way of living from the world’s reactive nature, fueled by fear and anxiety. Jesus invites us to a life of trust and rest in God. As we place our trust in God, we can rest in God. We rest in the fact that whatever the circumstances in life may be, God still reigns and rules. It seems to me that this is what Jesus means at the end of Matthew 6, where He says, “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 [read: exhaust themselves anxiously chasing after 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” (Matt 6:31-33).

As we edge closer to the end of the first month of 2026, how are you doing thus far with living one day at a time and receiving each day as a gift from God? Are there any intimidating mountains (circumstances) that are overwhelming you? Perhaps Psalm 37:23-24 is a good scripture to hold to in such times.

The Lord makes firm the steps
    of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
    for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Delight in the Lord by trusting and resting in Him. We don’t have to live in anxiousness, fear, and restlessness. He’s near to us in each step we take today, and throughout this year. He’s so near, He will grab hold of us and steady us even when we stumble. Thanks be to God!