One Square Living

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Posted by Martha Wilson, January 10, 2024

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

There is something exciting about a new calendar that makes my heart race—in a good way. I love the feel of crisp new pages waiting to be written upon. I welcome the thought of leaving the past behind and stepping into the new territory waiting to be discovered. 

 As I thumbed through the twelve months spread before me, I began to dream of what 2024 would be like. As I sat with the year in hand, I handled the pages carefully as if I crumpled one; it could possibly mar something ahead. The question arose in my mind, “What would fill these twelve pages?” I barely whispered the words. “This represents the next year of my life.” But, as soon as the words slipped through my lips, I sensed the Lord correcting me.

“You have not been promised twelve, clean, crisp months, but only one square.”

One glorious square called today. Each square on these pages took on new meaning as I reached for the Holy Book of certain and permanent pages. His living Word spoke right into the moment and brought meaning to this “one square living” truth.

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow, we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make money.”  Why, 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.  Instead, you should say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-16

I don’t think Jesus lived by a calendar, but by the voice of His Father. 

There were planned days to celebrate important feasts, but Jesus wasn’t moved by people's expectations but by His Father’s voice. I remember the story where the disciples asked if He would attend the feast, and He answered “no, the time isn’t right.” But, when they arrived and looked around, He was there in their midst. (John 7:8-10) Within His square, He lived by the Father’s leading. He lived with the awareness that the cross was in front of Him, but He demonstrated living in one square at a time as He fulfilled His Father’s good purpose and plan. 

Oh, that we could live the same way in 2024. Waiting and moving on God’s timetable, led by His voice, purpose, and will.  

What a gift of one single square of life! We should treasure waking each day, having been gifted one more square to live for His glory. When I live with my focus on all that is going on and all that “might '' happen or the demands and expectations of other people, my perspective of today gets very crowded and cluttered.

Yes, we still plan, dream, and strategize, but with our hands wide open surrendered to God’s will. When we live knowing that God is sovereign and He is the one who always does good, then we can trust that He has the power to change anything at any time. 

The answer to living this way is living life with a pencil in hand. I carefully plan by penciling in the meetings, appointments, goals, and events, acknowledging that God can erase anything at any time. One square living keeps me living in the day, the moment I have, yet managing this wonderful life I have been gifted. “If the Lord wills…..this is my plan.” 

“Lord, teach us how to live wisely, looking and planning, but keeping our feet in this one square of today. Open our eyes to see those who are lost, hurting, and broken. Give us eyes that look ahead but feet that live in today.  We desire to fasten our gaze upon You and your purpose and plan, allowing you to fill these pages with purpose and meaning.”

This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Martha Wilson is a writer, speaker, blogger and co-host of “A Burst of Hope” weekly podcast. She is the founder and director of Touching Hearts Ministries for women. She has led women to pursue an intimate relationship with Jesus for most of her adult life. She is bold, tender, and transparent as she teaches women to embrace powerful Biblical truths. Martha and her husband, Ed, live in Fayetteville, Georgia, and enjoy their blended family of five children, eight grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. You can connect with Martha at: Facebook and Instagram @TouchingHeartsMinistries or listen to the A Burst of Hope Podcast.