“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:31-34 NKJV)
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14 NKJV)
“God replied to Moses, “ I Am Who I Am . Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14 NLT)
There is a fine line between learning from past mistakes, holding on to fond memories, and living in the past. There is also a fine line between planning for a bright future and dreaming your life away. Far too often I have missed out on making the most of today because I was either stuck in the “glory days” of days gone by, or I had my head in the clouds waiting on a glorious tomorrow.
I think it is worth noting that when God told Moses who He was He didn’t say, “Tell them I Was sent you.” He could have pointed their attention to all that He accomplished in the past (creation, mighty acts in history, etc.), but He didn’t. He didn’t tell Moses, “Tell them that I Will Be sent you.” He could have pointed out all of the glorious events yet to come (all of His acts of deliverance, the coming Messiah, Heaven, etc.), but He didn’t. God is a God who lives in the eternal present. He said to Moses, “Tell them that I Am sent you.”
Jesus made a big deal of living in the now. He instructed us as His disciples to trust Him for today’s provision. We can let go of the past, and stop worrying about tomorrow. Jesus has us covered. He’s got my back ( and every other part of me). He knows what I need better than I do. He knows my wants and desires. He has my best in mind and has everything taken care of.
Paul lived out what Jesus was intending for those who follow Him. Paul learned to trust Jesus, and was able to live in contentment in any and all situations and circumstances. He learned how to forget the past, have a healthy outlook for the future, and live in the provision available today.
Let’s learn together…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 162: “I am learning to live in the NOW.” (Yesterday is gone and by the time tomorrow gets here it is today.)