Life is filled with moments pulling us in every direction—memories of the past, worries about the future—but God calls us to live fully in the now. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul says, “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal.” This isn’t just motivational advice; it’s a divine directive. God wants us to embrace the present, knowing that His grace is sufficient for today.
Looking Back
The story of Lot’s wife is a powerful reminder of the dangers of looking back. In Genesis 19, Lot and his family were fleeing the destruction of Sodom. They were given one clear command: don’t look back. Yet Lot’s wife turned back and became a pillar of salt. It’s easy to read this and think, “Why couldn’t she just keep moving forward?” But how often do we do the same? When we cling to the past—regrets, mistakes, or even the “good old days”—we freeze in place. Our hearts become hardened, unable to move forward because we’re too busy looking backward.
Imagine driving a car. You’re meant to look ahead through the windshield, but if you keep staring at the rearview mirror, you’ll crash. Similarly, focusing on our past prevents us from living the abundant life God intends for us now. The past is a chapter already written; let’s not rewrite it by reliving it over and over.
Daily Gifts
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:34 speaks directly to our tendency to worry about the future: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” The wisdom here isn’t just about reducing anxiety; it’s about recognizing that God’s provision is a daily gift. We are to trust Him for today and let tomorrow unfold in His hands.
Think about the times you’ve been consumed by what-ifs—what if I lose my job? What if I get sick? What if my plans don’t work out? These thoughts pull us away from the present moment, where God’s presence is most profoundly experienced. The truth is, when we worry about the future, we lose sight of God’s blessings right in front of us.
Consider the Israelites wandering in the desert. God provided manna daily, but only for each day. Those who tried to hoard it found it spoiled. God was teaching them to trust Him for their daily needs. In the same way, when we focus too much on the future, we miss the “manna” God provides today—peace, joy, and opportunities to connect with others.
Balancing Planning and Trust
While Jesus teaches us not to worry about tomorrow, this doesn’t mean we should live aimlessly. Proverbs 21:5 tells us, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Planning is a wise and necessary part of life. Setting goals and working towards them is part of stewarding the resources, talents, and time God has given us.
Consider the ant, as noted in Proverbs 6:6-8: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” The ant doesn’t worry about the winter but prepares diligently. Similarly, we can plan for the future without being consumed by worry, trusting that God will guide our steps as we move forward.
In practical terms, planning might look like setting financial goals, creating a career path, or even planning family activities. It’s about taking practical steps today that align with our goals for tomorrow, all while holding our plans loosely in the knowledge that God’s will ultimately prevails. James 4:13-15 cautions us, “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… Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'”
Real-life example: Think of a farmer planting seeds. He plans for the harvest by choosing the right seeds, preparing the soil, and watering the crops. But he cannot control the weather, the growth rate, or the final yield. He does his part faithfully and trusts God with the rest. In the same way, we should plan diligently, work faithfully, and trust that God will handle what’s beyond our control.
So how do we embrace living in the now while responsibly planning for the future? Here are a few practical steps grounded in Scripture and real-life wisdom:
1. Practice Gratitude: Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. By focusing on what we’re thankful for today, we redirect our thoughts from what we lack to what we have. This simple shift can transform our mindset from anxious anticipation to peaceful presence.
2. Mindful Prayer: Spend time in quiet reflection, focusing on God’s presence. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This isn’t just about physical stillness but mental and spiritual stillness. In those moments, ask God to help you release the past and trust Him with the future.
3. Set Daily Intentions: Start your day by asking God what He wants you to focus on today. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Allow God to set your agenda, keeping your heart open to His leading rather than your own anxieties.
4. Plan with Purpose: Establish goals that honor God and reflect His purpose for your life. Write them down, make a plan, and take small steps each day. Whether it’s career goals, personal growth, or serving others, commit your plans to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3) and trust that He will bring them to fruition in His timing.
5. Let Go of Regret: If the past is weighing you down, remember that God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Confess and release any lingering regrets or mistakes to God. He’s more than capable of redeeming your past and using it for His glory.
6. Trust God’s Timing: Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a time for everything. Trust that God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28), even when the timing doesn’t make sense to us. Release the need to control every outcome and find peace in knowing God is in control.
Real-life example: Picture a parent watching their child’s first steps. They aren’t worried about how fast the child will run tomorrow; they’re celebrating each wobbly step today. In the same way, God delights in our present steps of faith, no matter how small or uncertain they may be. When we live in the now, we walk in step with Him, one day at a time.
Remember, planning for the future is wise, but living in the now is where we truly meet God. Embrace today, set your goals, and trust the One who holds all your tomorrows.
