Living in the present
I often feel I am alone in my thinking but I am beginning to realize others may flirt with the same pressure that I often experience. I believe this pressure comes from underlying messages from media, society, and what seems to be the "required" one pace of living. That pace would be: fast.
The reason I often wonder if I am alone in this is because I am a driven person. I have to be aware of the commitments I make and the ways in which I manage my time. If I am not careful I could spend every minute working--and often I do. This is why I believe the Lord is opening my heart to see that while we must think of the future what really matters is how we live in the present. I often feel that I have to work, work, work SO THAT a small group is blessed, a team flourishes, my knowledge grows, or a variety of other reasons all the while I really am yearning to rest, and be quiet, in the presence of Jesus.
This place of pressure is an emotional place that often leads to an effect on ones physical being. You may have trouble sleeping and you may have a constant tightness between your shoulders. Some, I believe, can even have ulcers, severe headaches, or other stress related responses.
This place I am writing about is: living today but dwelling on the future. This seems simple. This seems realistic. This seems dangerous.
The reason I often wonder if I am alone in this is because I am a driven person. I have to be aware of the commitments I make and the ways in which I manage my time. If I am not careful I could spend every minute working--and often I do. This is why I believe the Lord is opening my heart to see that while we must think of the future what really matters is how we live in the present. I often feel that I have to work, work, work SO THAT a small group is blessed, a team flourishes, my knowledge grows, or a variety of other reasons all the while I really am yearning to rest, and be quiet, in the presence of Jesus.
Our future is not ours to control. Yes, we need to make wise decisions like saving for retirement and fixing our roofs when they are leaking so we have a home. These are the logistic matters but what about the matters of our hearts? Are we living in the present in our relationships? Are we really talking with God, right now, today? Is our heart focused on the present, or is our heart lost in the wondering of the future?
We live in a fast paced, success driven, goal oriented culture. I believe God is calling us to embrace today while our culture is calling us to embrace the success of the next goal or the next game won.
I believe the Lord longs for us to embrace the present. To allow Him to mold and shape us right now all the while making us stronger for the future. God is calling us to live fully in every moment of the day.
Embrace today--see the people around you, listen to the cries of others hearts, be calm in the presence of Jesus. Trust God for your future.
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