Here Today 2.15.26

February 18th, 2026

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

In a world driven by schedules, strategies, and long-term goals, it’s easy to begin living as though we control what happens next. James speaks directly to that mindset. He addresses those who confidently lay out their plans — where they will go, what they will do, and how they will profit — without acknowledging God’s sovereignty. The issue isn’t planning. The issue is pride.

James reminds us of something both humbling and freeing: we do not know what tomorrow holds. Life, he says, is like a mist — here for a little while and then gone. Like breath on a cold morning that quickly fades into the air, our days are brief in light of eternity. This truth isn’t meant to make us anxious or fearful. It’s meant to awaken us.

So many people live under the illusion of “later.” Later, I’ll slow down. Later, I’ll fix that relationship. Later, I’ll take my spiritual life seriously. Later, I’ll prioritize my health. But “later” is never promised. Every morning we wake up is grace. Every day is a sacred opportunity to live faithfully, love intentionally, and walk closely with God.

Living with open hands means we plan boldly but hold those plans loosely. We work hard, dream big, and steward opportunities — but we refuse to act as though everything depends on us. Instead of gripping our future tightly, we surrender it to God and trust His wisdom above our own.

When we release control, something powerful happens. We’re freed from the crushing weight of trying to manage every outcome. We can pursue goals without being devastated when circumstances shift. We become more present — noticing the simple, sacred moments that often carry eternal significance.

Today is not a rehearsal. It is a gift. And the wisest way to live is to show up faithfully in this moment, trusting tomorrow to the Lord.

REFLECT |

Where have you been assuming control instead of acknowledging God’s sovereignty?
Is there something important you’ve been postponing under the excuse of “later”?
What would it look like for you to hold your plans with open hands this week?

BIBLE VERSES

Key Verses are denoted with an *

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DAY 1 | THE ILLUSION OF CONTROL

We live in a culture obsessed with control. Our calendars are packed, our goals are mapped out, and we've convinced ourselves that with enough planning, we can guarantee our future. But what if this very mindset is robbing us of peace and joy? James confronts our tendency to plan as if we're the ones keeping our lives running. The problem isn't having goals or making plans - it's the pride that assumes we control our destiny. When we grip our plans too tightly, we carry unnecessary pressure and anxiety. God wants to free us from this burden. He's not asking us to stop planning; He's asking us to stop pretending we're in control. There's incredible freedom in acknowledging that tomorrow isn't promised and that our lives are ultimately in God's hands. This doesn't make us passive - it makes us humble. It shifts our focus from trying to control everything to trusting the One who actually does.

BIBLE VERSE |
'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.' - James 4:13-14

REFLECTION QUESTION |
What areas of your life are you trying to control that might be causing you unnecessary stress and anxiety?

QUOTE |
"James isn't against planning. He's against pride. He's saying, don't plan like you're the one keeping your life running."

PRAYER |
God, help me release my tight grip on my plans and trust You with my future. Give me the humility to acknowledge that You are in control, not me.

DAY 2 | LIFE AS A MIST

Have you ever watched your breath on a cold morning? It appears for just a moment, visible and real, then vanishes without a trace. James uses this powerful image to describe our lives - we are a mist that appears briefly and then disappears. This isn't meant to discourage us but to wake us up to the preciousness of each day. When we truly grasp how brief our time is, it changes everything. Suddenly, the petty arguments seem less important. The grudges we've been holding lose their power. The dreams we've been postponing demand our attention. Our brief existence isn't a reason for despair - it's a call to significance. Every sunrise is a gift, every conversation an opportunity, every breath a chance to make a difference. The brevity of life doesn't diminish its value; it amplifies it. When we understand that our time is limited, we stop wasting it on things that don't matter and start investing it in what does.

BIBLE VERSE |
''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.' - James 4:13-14

REFLECTION QUESTION |
If you truly believed your life was as brief as a mist, what would you prioritize differently starting today?

QUOTE |
"Don't waste your mist. The Bible just described our lives as a mist, a vapor that comes and goes and vanishes. Don't waste your mistake."

PRAYER |
Lord, help me see each day as the precious gift it is. Don't let me waste the time You've given me on things that don't matter eternally.

DAY 3 | THE DANGER OF LATER

"Later" might be the most dangerous word in our vocabulary. It sounds so harmless, so reasonable. Later, I'll call my parents. Later, I'll forgive that person. Later, I'll get serious about my faith. Later, I'll pursue that dream. But later has a way of stealing years from us, one postponement at a time. The truth is, we're not guaranteed later. We're not even guaranteed tomorrow. All we have is today - this moment, this breath, this opportunity. Today is our chance to say "I love you" while someone can still hear it. Today is when we can extend forgiveness, even if the other person never apologizes. Today is when we can take that first step toward the life God is calling us to live. Delayed obedience is disobedience. God doesn't accept our promises to get our act together next week. He's calling us to faithfulness right now, in this moment. Every day we wake up is another chance - don't let "later" rob you of it.

BIBLE VERSE |
'Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.' - Ephesians 5:16

REFLECTION QUESTION |
What important decision or action have you been putting off with the promise of "later"?

QUOTE |
"Later. Sounds harmless, but it will steal years from you. Later. Later. Can I encourage you with something?"

PRAYER |
God, help me stop postponing what You're calling me to do today. Give me courage to act now rather than waiting for a more convenient time.

DAY 4 | SURRENDERED LIVING

There's a difference between perfect planning and surrendered living. Perfect planning assumes we can control outcomes if we just think hard enough and prepare thoroughly enough. Surrendered living acknowledges that wisdom comes from holding our plans with open hands. Maybe you've been trying to hold everything together, acting like your hustle is what keeps the world spinning. You've become the glue trying to hold your future, finances, image, or family together. But you're carrying burdens God never asked you to carry. Surrendered living says, "I'm going to show up and be faithful, and God, You do the rest." This doesn't shrink your dreams - it shifts your source. You can plan boldly without pretending you're in control. You can dream big without being destroyed when things don't go according to your timeline. God's will isn't always comfortable, but it's always complete. When we surrender our plans to Him, we find freedom from the crushing weight of trying to control everything.

BIBLE VERSE |
'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.' - James 4:13-14

REFLECTION QUESTION |
What would change in your life if you truly believed that showing up faithfully was your part, and the results were God's part?

QUOTE |
"Wisdom is not perfect planning. Wisdom that I've learned about, it's surrendered living."

PRAYER |
Father, I surrender my plans to You. Help me be faithful in what You've called me to do while trusting You with the outcomes.

DAY 5 | STEWARDING YOUR NOW

God isn't asking you to predict the future - He's asking you to steward your now. Right now, in this moment, you have everything you need to be faithful. The life-changing things God does through us rarely feel dramatic. They usually feel simple and sacred at the same time. A kind word to a struggling friend. A moment of patience with your child. A choice to forgive instead of holding a grudge. These seemingly small acts of faithfulness in the present moment are how God changes the world. You don't need to have your whole life figured out. You don't need to know what next year or even next month will bring. You just need to be present and faithful right now. Today is your chance to love well, serve others, and walk closely with God. Today is when you can make the phone call, have the conversation, or take the step you've been avoiding. Most of the significant moments in life happen in the ordinary, everyday choices to be faithful with what's right in front of us.

BIBLE VERSE |
'Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.' - Ephesians 5:16

REFLECTION QUESTION |
What is one simple, faithful action you can take right now to steward this moment well?

QUOTE |
"He's not asking you to predict the future. He's just asking you to steward your now, right now."

PRAYER |
Lord, help me be fully present in this moment. Show me how to be faithful with what You've placed in front of me today.

ACTION STEP

This week, practice living with the mindset of 'if the Lord wills' by choosing one specific area where you've been trying to control the outcome. Each day, consciously surrender that area to God in prayer and focus on being faithful in the present moment rather than anxious about the future. Also, identify one relationship or responsibility you've been putting off with 'I'll deal with it later' and take one concrete step toward it this week.

PRAYER

Father God, thank You for this time together and for the reminder that our lives are precious gifts from You. Help us to leave here today with a renewed commitment to live in the present moment, trusting You with our tomorrows. Give us the courage to take action on the things You've been calling us to do, rather than putting them off until later. Help us to hold our plans loosely and our faith tightly. May we steward well the time You've given us today and every day. As we go from here, help us to love intentionally, forgive quickly, and serve faithfully. We surrender our grip on tomorrow and place our trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

BIBLE APP PLANS

Living Open-Handed: Devotions for Surrendering Control and Finding Joy in the Unexpected
10 Days – DaySpring
Living Open-Handed invites you to surrender control and trust God's timing and plans, especially in life's unexpected moments. This 10-day reading plan guides you through selected verses, devotions, prayers, and reflection prompts, helping you appreciate life's ups and downs. As you release your hold on outcomes, you'll cultivate a deeper faith and discover a surprising joy in the curveballs life throws your way.

Overflow
10 Days – HopeUS
Overflow is more than mere abundance—it’s the divine moment when God pours so richly into our lives that it spills over into the lives of others. It’s not just a blessing to receive; it’s a powerful calling to share. This 10-day devotional will help you to recognize, receive, and release the Overflow God wants to pour out—not as a passive recipient of blessings, but as an active conduit of God's love, joy, peace, presence, and more.

Less Hustle, More Jesus (Youth)
5 Days – DaySpring

Busy? Stressed? Longing for the peace only God provides? This 5-day devotional will help you slow down and experience God's rest and peace through devotional content, God's Word, and a reflective daily prayer. This study is from the devotional journal 100 Days of Less Hustle, More Jesus by Illustrated Faith founder Shanna Noel.