Focus on the present

“Do not cling to the events of the past or what happened long ago. Wait—for this new thing I am going to do. It is already happening now. I will create a path for you in the wilderness. I will bring you streams of water there.” Isaiah 43:18-19.

As human beings, we often find ourselves caught in the web of our past experiences. There is a certain comfort and familiarity that the past provides, filled with events, circumstances, and situations that we have come to know well. This familiarity can be a double-edged sword; while it offers a sense of security, it can also hinder our growth and spiritual development. We tend to dwell on the past because it feels safe, as if we are wrapping ourselves in a blanket of nostalgia. However, this clinging to what once was can prevent us from embracing the new opportunities that God is presenting to us. It is crucial to understand that God calls us to look forward, to anticipate the new and transformative work He is doing in our lives right now. When we focus on the familiar, we often do so as a means of self-protection. This behavior stems from our desire to shield ourselves from the uncertainties of the future. Yet, in doing so, we may inadvertently stifle the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We allow our flesh, which is inherently weak and limited, to take the reins instead of relying on the infinite power of the Holy Spirit that comes from our Creator. It begs the question: why do we feel the need to protect ourselves when we have a divine protector in God? Why should we linger in the familiar when our God is known for doing the extraordinary, the unexpected, and the unimaginable? Indeed, God delights in outdoing our limited understanding and expectations. He has a track record of performing miracles and bringing about change that we could never conceive of on our own. It is vital to recognize that dwelling on past events not only keeps us anchored in a time that has already passed but also distracts us from the present moment—a moment that is truly a gift. Our God is omnipresent, meaning He is always with us, and if we allow ourselves to be consumed by memories of what was, we risk missing the blessings and opportunities that are unfolding right before our eyes. God encourages us to wait for the new things He is preparing for us. He is actively working in the present, shaping our lives in ways that we may not yet comprehend. Our faith should be rooted in the NOW, the PRESENT moment, where God’s presence is most palpable. 💝 Father, we express our gratitude for your unwavering presence in our lives! You are always there when we reach out, and your grace is a gift we do not deserve but receive with open hearts. If we must reflect on the past, may it be only to recognize and testify to your faithfulness, using those memories to encourage and uplift others. Let us remember that the key to cultivating the fruits of the Spirit lies in being in your presence. May we develop an insatiable desire to draw closer to you daily, seeking to grow our faith and deepen our relationship with you. We acknowledge that your ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than ours, and for that, we offer our thanks, dear ABBA! Help us to relinquish our need for control, which is so ingrained in our nature, and to trust wholeheartedly that you are constantly at work on our behalf. You are weaving all things together for our good, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. We thank you for your tireless efforts to guide and support us. May we be open to your movement in our lives, allowing you to lead us in a way that glorifies your name. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.