Living In Today

Milestones in our lives, like graduations or birthdays, can stir up wishes for our futures. Excited about a fresh start, we dream about opportunities and make plans. On the other hand, change can also stir up fear. We might feel overwhelmed by what lies ahead. While dreaming about our future and reflecting on our past can be good, they can also make us feel discouraged. Sometimes dwelling on regrets or unfulfilled desires can cause us to miss the blessings right in front of us. So how can we have joy in the present? God holds the future, so we can have peace in every moment. And God holds the past, so we can be free to live in the present without being haunted by regrets. Through Jesus’s death, we are freed from the wrongdoing of our past. And because He rose from the dead, Jesus has victory over death and evil. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, He has secured our eternal future with Him in renewed creation! As we abide in Jesus, we have hope and peace no matter what our future brings (John 15:1-11; 16:33). It also helps to know that God is doing great things right where we are, right now. He has put us here for a reason, with unique opportunities and blessings. We don’t know what the future holds, and we can’t change the past, but God is in complete control of all time. He is fully trustworthy, and He is always working for the good of His people (Romans 8:28). If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, His Holy Spirit is in us, helping us to follow God and trust Him with every detail of our lives. As we seek God, He provides what we need each day (Matthew 6:11, 33). So no matter what tomorrow holds or what happened yesterday, God offers us a fresh start in a new day. When we choose to follow Jesus, making the most of the opportunities God gives us, we find joy in living each day with Him! • Abby Ciona • Do you ever get caught up in memories or regrets from the past? God cares about your past, and He grieves your hurts with you. And God also offers freedom. If you want to know more about the forgiveness and hope made possible through Jesus, check out our “Know Jesus” page. • What are some of your hopes or worries for the future? Your life is precious to God, and He welcomes you to come to Him with all of your questions, concerns, longings, and passions. This is the day the Lord has made; let’s rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Matthew 6:19-Matthew 6:34; Philippians 4:4-Philippians 4:13; Psalm 118:24