Letting go of Yesterday; Finding Joy Today

One of the things I enjoy most about this season of life is that my husband and I can do a little more traveling together.

Whenever we visit a new city, we don’t just book a hotel—we take time to research what there is to see and do. It’s tempting to pack our days with attractions from tourism websites and brochures, making sure we hit all the “must-see” spots.

But over the years, we’ve discovered that some of our favorite memories have come from setting the itinerary aside.

Instead, we’ll ask our server where they like to eat when they’re not working. In a local gift shop, we’ll ask the owner what piece of the city’s history we shouldn’t miss. Sometimes they’ll point us to a quiet hiking trail, a small museum, or a family-owned restaurant we’d never have found on our own. If we only followed the tourist crowd, we’d miss what was happening all around us.

I wonder if we sometimes do the same thing in life.

It’s easy to spend so much time looking back at where we’ve been or looking ahead to where we hope we’re going that we miss what God is doing right here, today.

The Israelites had to learn that lesson in the wilderness.

One Day at a Time

Every morning, God gave the Israelites just enough manna for that day. They couldn’t collect extra for the next day or store it up for later, because it would spoil overnight. It was a lesson in trusting Him day by day, relying on His provision one day at a time.

Jesus echoed that same truth centuries later when He taught His followers to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11, ESV). Then He reminded them, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow… Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34, ESV).

How often do we do the opposite?

We replay yesterday’s conversations, wishing we’d chosen different words. We carry old disappointments we’ve already placed in God’s hands. Or we race ahead, imagining problems that haven’t even happened yet.

Meanwhile, today quietly drifts away—the person God wanted us to encourage, the beauty He placed along our path, the chance to grow while we wait, and the ordinary moments where He is faithfully at work.

I’ve found that waiting on God isn’t just about hoping for what’s next. It’s about walking closely with Him today. His grace isn’t promised for next month or next year. It’s given one day at a time, exactly when we need it.

That’s why the psalmist could write,

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
—Psalm 118:24 (ESV)

It’s not about yesterday or tomorrow—it’s about today.

Today is the day God has already prepared, a day filled with new mercies. It’s a day where He invites us to trust Him, recognize His blessings, and join Him in the work He’s already doing.

The next time you find yourself dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, pause for a moment. Ask yourself, “What is God doing today that I don’t want to miss?”

Because today’s quiet moments may become the memories you’ll treasure most—not because everything went according to your plan, but because you experienced God’s presence right where you were.

Journaling Prompts

1. What thoughts keep pulling you away from today?
Are you replaying something from your past or worrying about something in the future? Write those concerns down, then ask God to help you release them into His hands.

2. Read Psalm 118:24 and Matthew 6:34.
What opportunities, blessings, or moments of God’s faithfulness might you miss if you’re focused on yesterday or tomorrow? List three things you’re thankful for in this day.

3. Imagine today as a destination God has planned just for you.
Just as the best travel memories often come from unexpected discoveries, where might God be inviting you to slow down, pay attention, or encourage someone today? Write one intentional step you can take before the day ends.