In her book Streams in the Desert, Lettie B. Cowman tells of a minister who was heavily burdened with anxiety. After carrying this weight for quite some time, he began to realize that his anxiety was almost entirely due to “borrowed” things. A good portion of his worry belonged to tomorrow. An even larger amount related to the week to come. And a sizable percentage was a carryover from his yesterdays.

This pastor had made the mistake of burdening himself in the present with things that belonged to the past and the future. “Never yield to gloomy anticipations,” Mrs. Cowman concluded. “Who told you that the night would never end in day? Who told you that the winter of your discontent should proceed from frost to frost, from snow and hail and ice to deeper snow? Do you not know that day follows night, . . . that spring and summer succeed winter? Place your hope and confidence in God. He has no record of failure.”

How foolish to carry our past and future cares around with us! Cast them on the Lord by claiming His forgiveness for the sins of yesterday and letting Him take care of tomorrow. Then, live in the present. Rejoice in the strength He gives for today. He will lighten your load.