When we take a searching inventory of our thoughts, feelings and choices, we realize a depth of knowledge about our self. This helps us to discover if we are in bondage to our past, fearful of our future, or focusing on the Spirit's direction for our present moment in time.
The past is over and forgiven; therefore, dwelling on it only hinders the present. We are not promised a future; so, dwelling on the future is also futile. God’s gift to us is this present moment, and what we do with it is our choice and our gift back to God.
Our optimal productivity comes from giving our prayerful attention to each moment as God provides it for us to enjoy. This helps us to keep our focus on God's will for our life, to walk in His Spirit, and to praise God for and in each moment of life that He provides.
We are often hurt by our past, and we feel anxious about possible future negative experiences. When our peace and joy are disturbed, we know that we have an issue that needs our immediate attention, and God's perfect management.
Once we submit our cares to God's guidance, He sustains us and keeps us from failing (Psalm 55:22; Proverbs 16:3). When we learn to completely trust in the Lord, and to delight in His presence within us, He rescues and delivers us (Psalm 22:8).
This knowledge helps us to put our circumstances into a spiritual perspective, to reject all anxious thoughts, to pray without ceasing, and to present our requests to God with gratitude in our heart. Then our God of complete peace guards our heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:5-7).
Prayer:
Father God, teach us to surrender all of our anxiety to You, because we know that You care for us (1 Peter 5:7). We trust You with our whole heart, and we no longer depend on our human resources. In fact, when we consult You before we make any decisions, we do so in faith that You will always direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
In each present moment, we encounter You on an intimate level. We experience firsthand the immense love You have for each one of us as Your unique child. Help us to concentrate only on what is occurring in our life right now, so that we can function more effectively in our ministry to You, make fewer mistakes, enjoy more fulfilling results, and live in the moment as You planned it before we were ever born (Ephesians 2:10).
Thought for the Day:
The trauma of the past and the fear of the future have no place in the present moment, because God healed us from the shame of the past, as well as the worries about the future; we are safe and secure in the arms of God in this present moment, even if the circumstances around us are full of turmoil and conflict.
