When I was growing up, my mother frequently reminded me to take it a day at a time. I wasn’t good at doing so back then, and, truth be told, I still struggle with it. The problem is that my brain gets ahead of me. I think of all the what-ifs or project myself into the future while still in the present. Today that would be termed a form of anxiety disorder.
It is estimated that 15 million people suffer from some type of anxiety disorder. For some, their anxiety is so severe that they experience panic attacks or become unable to function altogether.
Thankfully, there is medication to help those severe cases. But for those of us who suffer from milder anxiety, listen to the wisdom of Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom: “Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength—carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength” (He Cares, He Comforts).
God understood anxiety disorder long before it had a clinical name. That’s why he addressed the topic in at least 53 Bible verses. He reminds us that if he cares for the birds of the air and flowers of the field, he’s got our backs (Matthew 6:26-34). He further counsels, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Ms. ten Boom and my mom wisely heeded God’s counsel—Take it a day at a time!
