Author: Bill Fix

Life is a precious gift, and we should cherish every moment of it. However, we often find ourselves dwelling on the past or thinking too much about the future, which can lead to anxiety and stress. As Christians, we are called to live in the present moment and trust in God’s plan for our lives. In this article, we will discuss the importance of staying present, the cons of living too much in the past and future, as well as the benefits of living in the current moment.

Living in the Past

Dwelling on the past can be tempting, especially when we have regrets or painful memories. However, it can also be detrimental to our emotional and spiritual well-being. When we focus too much on the past, we risk:

– Missing out on the present moment

– Losing sight of God’s blessings

– Holding onto grudges and bitterness

– Hindering our growth and maturity

– Failing to forgive ourselves and others

Living in the Future

On the other hand, thinking too much about the future can also be harmful. While it’s important to plan and prepare for the future, we must trust that God is in control and has a plan for our lives. When we focus too much on the future, we risk:

– Worrying unnecessarily

– Failing to appreciate the present moment

– Losing sight of God’s provisions

– Feeling overwhelmed and anxious

– Forgetting to trust in God’s sovereignty

Living in the Moment

So, what’s the alternative? The Bible encourages us to live in the present moment, trusting God and enjoying the life He has given us. Here are some benefits of living in the moment:

– Increased gratitude and contentment (Philippians 4:11-13)

¹¹ Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. ¹² I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ³ I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 KJV

– Improved mental and emotional well-being (Proverbs 17:22)

²² A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22 KJV

– Enhanced relationships with others (Ephesians 4:2-3)

² With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; ³ Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.    Ephesians 4:2-3

– Greater faith and trust in God (Matthew 6:25-34)

²⁵ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? ²⁶ Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? ²⁷ Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? ²⁸ And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:  ²⁹ And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? ³¹ Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? ³² (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. ³³ But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. ³⁴ Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:25-34

– Opportunities for growth and transformation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). By focusing on the present moment and trusting in God’s plan, we can pursue our ultimate goal of eternity in Christ.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, living in the moment is critical for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. As Christians, we are called to trust in God’s plan, appreciating the blessings of the present moment while leaving the past and future in God’s hands. Let us embrace each day as a gift from God and live in the moment, full of gratitude and trust in our Heavenly Father.

Live in the Moment,

Bill Fix

The People Pastor

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