n his book Out of the Blue, Orel Hershiser attributes his success as a major league pitcher to his ability to concentrate on the next pitch.
When he was on the mound, he couldn’t afford to worry about an earlier mistake, or a bad call, or the power hitter sitting in the on-deck circle.
When he gave up a homerun on a pitch he should never have thrown, he couldn’t relive it. He had to put it out of his mind and direct his focus to the next pitch.
His ability to do this accounts for the records he broke and the awards he won.
In the same way, we need to give our full attention to each day as it comes to us. We can’t dwell on all that took place in the days before. Neither can we worry about what might happen in the days to come.
Our only hope for effective living is to concentrate on living this day in a way that brings glory to God.
It’s not easy, but imagine what can be accomplished when all your energy is directed toward a single day. And imagine what could happen if that day were today.
Jesus told his followers, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)
As you begin this new day, there may be some leftovers from the past you’re tempted to dwell on, as well as some major challenges waiting on deck.
Don’t let them distract you. Focus today only on today: the next pitch, the next step you take, the next call you make, the next project to complete.
Give today all the attention it requires. And see how it yields results for the glory of God.
© 2007/2024. This post originally appeared at PreachingLibrary.com
