Sometime this past summer, I lost my mind.

I sensed a cog slipping and I started losing a grip on my thoughts.  They were coming faster — racing through my mind.

Fatigue set in and I eventually crashed emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Slowly, I had given my thoughts over to the worries of the next day and the next week. I was living in a place and space of constant uncertainty fueled by doubt and fear.

Jesus commanded us not to worry about the next day.

“So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.” (Matthew 6:34 TLB)

We need to learn to live one day at a time. This requires that we stay in the present and not concern ourselves about the future.

It does not mean that we don’t plan for the future, but we must not allow the future to flood our thinking.

We must simply remind ourselves that we are a child of God and in His care. God will take care of our future needs if we keep our hearts and minds stayed on His goodness, mercy and love.

Each day, I constantly remind myself of these four important principles.

1. Plant your feet firmly into the security of God’s love. 

Know that you are deeply loved and that God desires to take care of you and your every need. This sometimes can be our greatest struggle.  Do we really believe this?

“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” (Ephesians 3:17 NLT)

This will keep us grounded in the truth of His love for us.

2. Put a cap or a ceiling on your thoughts.

Literally, don’t allow them to go over your head and into the future (next day).  PULL THEM BACK and bring them under control.

“and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” ( 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV)

God has given each of us the ability to control our thoughts. We can do this with the Holy Spirit’s help.

3. He is the breath of life.

Allow the Holy Spirit to breath in and through you. Notice your breath and feel its life giving presence within you.

“He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.” (Acts 17:25 NLT)

He will fill us with the Holy Spirit and provide for us.

4. Meditate and reflect on the truth of God’s Word.

Meditation allows God’s Word to settle into your spirit and remain there.

“But if you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! (John 15:7)

Take time each day to meditate on God’s word. Find verses that reflect your struggle and allow them to settle into your mind and replace your old thoughts.  Meditation creates God’s thoughts in our minds.

These life-giving truths have helped to keep me grounded in the present and in the reality of God’s constant love and care for me.

“And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:7 BSB)