NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT
I find myself thinking of life in 2-week time segments. Two weeks ago, I did this-or-that but I haven’t gotten sick so things are OK. Today I did such-and-such but I have to wait 2 weeks to see if I was exposed. We are quite careful and compliant, but Nancy still does the shopping and we bike, walk or run regularly outside. We even talk to neighbors and friends at a distance. I seem to look ahead to 2 weeks down the road a lot. Do you?
I know some people live in the past, but I’ve always had a tendency to live in the future. I plan, look ahead, anticipate, prepare, etc. Sometimes I get so absorbed in the future I miss focusing on the present. It’s OK to enjoy the past and plan for the future, but it takes balance to make sure we don’t miss the only time we can really live life – the present.
During these days of uncertain it is easy to look behind or ahead while letting today pass us by. But God says, “THIS is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in IT” (Psalm 118:24). The focus is on today, not the past or present. Paul says we are to forget what is behind and use the present to push ahead (Philippians 3:13). Jesus said we are to pray for our DAILY bread (Matthew 6:11). Lamentations 3:23 reminds us that “God’s mercies are new every morning.” Like manna, God gives grace, wisdom, power and mercy in daily supplies. He doesn’t provide it for the past or future, just today. And if we don’t use it today it will be gone!
Go ahead, enjoy past memories and prepare for the future, but focus on living life to the full this very day, this minute and hour. It’s what God gives us to use. The rests is in His hands.
We want to be in the moment so we don’t miss anything God has for us now.
Are you missing out on the joys and blessings, the lessons and challenges, the opportunities and privileges of today because you are too concerned about the past or future? Ask God to help you focus on the present moment. Make that your goal as you go through this day and tomorrow.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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