The Power of Now
"I’ll just do it tomorrow." It’s a phrase we use more often than we care to admit. It’s the classic move of kicking the can down the road, trusting that tomorrow will provide the time, energy, and motivation we lack today. But when we put things off until tomorrow, we make a critical miscalculation—overlooking two significant truths: the miracle of now and the elusiveness of tomorrow.
The Myth of Tomorrow
We live in a world that praises planning and preparation. While it’s wise to consider the future, the idea of “tomorrow” can easily become an excuse that traps us in procrastination. Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 6:34 reminds us, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment. We often get caught up in the illusion that we have unlimited tomorrows. In reality, tomorrow is never promised; it’s a fleeting concept that keeps us anchored in delay and indecision.
Eckhart Tolle, in his transformative book The Power of Now, writes, "Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life." Tolle’s words echo the wisdom of scripture, challenging us to shift our attention from the uncertainty of tomorrow to the powerful reality of this very moment.
The Miracle of Now
Why is the present moment so miraculous? Because it’s the only time we can act, change, and experience life fully. James 4:14 says, “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” This verse is a stark reminder that life is fragile and fleeting. We can plan all we want for tomorrow, but today is the only gift we are truly given.
When we embrace the power of now, we unlock the potential to create, heal, and love in ways that are impossible if we’re always waiting for the “right time.” Tolle states, “Nothing ever happened in the past; it happened in the Now. Nothing will ever happen in the future; it will happen in the Now.” This perspective aligns with the biblical understanding that today is a divine gift, one that should not be taken for granted.
Breaking Free from Procrastination
Procrastination is often rooted in fear—fear of failure, discomfort, or the unknown. Delaying action only intensifies these fears, making it harder to break free. The Apostle Paul gives us a powerful directive in Hebrews 3:15: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” The call is clear: respond now and act now, because the present moment is where God meets us us.
Practical steps can help us overcome the tendency to procrastinate:
Set Small, Immediate Goals: Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, start with a small action today. It doesn’t have to be monumental—just one step forward.
Practice Mindfulness: Take a moment to breathe deeply and ground yourself in the present. Recognize that right now is the only moment you truly have control over.
Remember Your Why: When you’re tempted to delay, remind yourself why you started. The purpose behind your actions can be a powerful motivator to keep moving forward.
Embracing the Freedom of Now
There’s a unique freedom that comes when we live fully in the present. By letting go of the weight of tomorrow’s worries, we can embrace the joy, opportunities, and challenges that today brings. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we focus on the now, trusting God’s provision, we find a peace that cannot be found in the uncertainty of tomorrow.
Eckhart Tolle beautifully encapsulates this truth: “Life is now. There was never a time when your life was not now, nor will there ever be.” This moment—right here, right now—is where your life is happening. The power of now lies in its potential to change your life, one conscious decision at a time.
Conclusion
Today is a gift, not a guarantee. It’s a divine invitation to step out of the shadows of “someday” and into the light of the present. Whether it’s taking a small action, speaking a kind word, or making a significant change, don’t wait for tomorrow—it may never come. The power of now is that it’s the only time we can truly embrace, the only moment where we can meet God face to face and say, “Here I am.”
Let today be the day you harness that power. As you do, may you find the peace, freedom, and fulfillment that only comes when you live fully in the present.
