Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.

That phrase is a powerful and often misunderstood conclusion from Jesus's teaching on worry in the Sermon on the Mount. It serves as a practical and profound rule for Christian living.

The full verse is:

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” - Matthew 6:34 (ESV)

Other translations say, "Each day has enough trouble of its own" (NIV) or "Today’s trouble is enough for today" (NLT).

What Does It Mean?

This statement is not cynical or pessimistic. It is profoundly realistic and freeing. Jesus is not saying life is nothing but trouble; He is giving us a key to managing our anxiety by focusing on the right timeframe.

1. It is an Anti-Anxiety Command: Jesus has just spent the previous verses(Matthew 6:25-33) commanding us not to worry about our life, food, drink, or clothing. He points to God's care for the birds and the flowers as evidence of our immense value to Him. This verse is the conclusion: Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow.

2. It is a Call to Present-Moment Living: Jesus is teaching us to break life down into manageable pieces.We can become overwhelmed when we try to face all of tomorrow's potential problems today. God gives us the grace to handle what is in front of us today. He does not typically give us the grace for hypothetical problems of tomorrow until they become the realities of today.

3. It Acknowledges Reality without Being Overcome by It: Jesus is a realist.He doesn't say, "Have faith and every day will be easy." He says, in effect, "Life in a broken world has real challenges. Each day will bring its own set of difficulties. Don't borrow trouble from tomorrow and add it to today's load. Trust that I will give you the strength you need for today's challenges when they arrive."

How to Apply This Truth

· Focus on Today's Grace: Ask, "What has God given me to do today? What resources has He provided for this day?" His mercies are "new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23).

· Plan, But Don't Worry: It is wise to plan for tomorrow (Proverbs 6:6-8), but it is a sin to worry about it. We make plans while holding them with an open hand, trusting a sovereign God.

· Bring Today's Burdens to God: When trouble comes today, take it to God immediately in prayer. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Handle today's problems with today's grace.

· Remember God's Faithfulness: Look back and see how God provided for you yesterday and the day before. This builds faith that He will provide for you again today and tomorrow.

A Poem: "Sufficient for the Day"

Here is a poem that reflects on this command to live in the present grace of God.

"Sufficient for the Day"

Why do you borrow from tomorrow's sorrow? A weight you were never meant to bear? Why do you let the shadow fall, Before the dusk is even there?

The God who paints the lily's face, And guides the sparrow through its race, He knows the path you cannot see, And He has promised you shall be.

He does not give a weekly dose, Of grace and strength to bear the load. He gives it as the manna fell, Enough today,His mercies swell.

So do not add tomorrow's fear, To the trouble that is here. Just for this day,His will you seek, His strength is found when you are weak.

The evil here, the trouble now, To which you make your faithful vow, Is all He asks you to address, In His own power and righteousness.

So let tomorrow worry for itself, Lay down that weight upon the shelf. And for today,just simply live, And take the grace He has to give.

For sufficient for the day is the evil thereof, Enough the struggle,enough the love. Enough the grace to see it through, Because His promise is ever true.

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A Prayer for Daily Trust

Heavenly Father,

My mind so often races ahead, anxious about problems that may never even happen. Forgive me for doubting Your provision and care. Your Word says that today has enough trouble of its own. Help me to focus on what You have set before me right now.

I trust that You will give me the grace, strength, and wisdom I need for today's challenges. I refuse to borrow worry from tomorrow. Thank you that Your mercies are new every morning and that Your faithfulness is great.

I cast all my anxiety on You now, because I know You care for me.

In Jesus' name, Amen.