A few weeks after my father died several years ago, my sister called, and we had a good conversation talking through where we both were with things. She said “when I focus on the past, I am depressed. When I focus on the future, I am anxious. I want to learn just how to be present now.” That has stuck with me. What has been, has been. What will come, will come. God calls me to be present now, and to serve those around me just to make it to tomorrow.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
That phrase, “which transcends all understanding, ” is what God has put on my heart in just the last couple months. I can’t explain the peace that God gives me, though I know it is real. I can’t say to take these three steps and you will have peace. I can’t analyze it and say why it is so. All I know is that when I focus on being present, not on what has been or will be, and I just ask God to carry me through the storm as I serve those around me – then I do have the peace of God.
This is such a good thing for us to strive for- to live in the present- where God has us right now. My husband and I often talk about this. When we are looking back and regretting things or wishing we could change them. I often say, ‘Well, that ship has sailed’. Isn’t it true? The ship has left the harbor…and it may very well be headed to unchartered waters just around the bend…waters that we can plan for (whether fearing a storm or looking forward to calm waters)….but in all honesty- the only thing we have full control over is where the boat is now. We have to live and trust in the present while having a hope in the future that God has planned and prepared for us.
Jeremiah 29:11