Word of the Week - Now

Do you remember when you were a child, and the days until Christmas seemed to go on without end? And now that you are an adult, your heart starts to palpitate and palms get sweaty just thinking about all you have to do in the next 21 days! Aaaagh!

My dh and I watched a very interesting movie the other night entitled, Peaceful Warrior. I can't say it was the best movie I have ever seen, although it was entertaining. Think Karate Kid meets men's gymnastics. There was one lesson stressed in the movie however, that I found very valuable. The mentor, played by Nick Nolte, continously expressed the importance of living now . . . letting go of the past and remaining free of obsession about the future.

I can't explain it, but it was like a light bulb experience. I know that the Lord tells us again and again to let go of the past. He commands us to confess our sins in humble repentance. And it's true not every moment has been filled with sin, at least we pray that's the case; so, if by His grace we have enjoyed a moment worthy of praise -  the glory is to be His not ours. So then, what good is there in dwelling on the past, we are to simply repent of our sinful moments, and praise and thank Him for any and all  blessed memories.

What about the future? I am so guilty of pondering what will be. The truth is that is a foolish waste of time. The future for each of us is held in the Lord's hands. All I am able to do is worry, plan, and try to control. How much better my time would be spent if I simply kept a planner, scheduled events, took a little time each day and made my list of to dos, and then put my energy into the moment I am living. Right now! With everything that is in me! God's promise is that, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." He gives me what I need for this moment. It is no wonder I get bogged down when I start dwelling on the past or focusing on the future.

How blessed we would be if we could only learn this lesson. Letting go of the past, releasing the future, and living now. Think of living without guilt because all sins have been placed at the foot of the cross and forgiven. What if you could live free of all fear of the future, because you completely trusted God who has proven beyond measure that He loves you more than anything? No more guilt. No more fear. Freedom to live right now, this moment.

I have spent the last few days striving to get my mind around this completely. I know God tells us this very thing in His Word, but I have failed to follow it for so long. This is going to be a goal accomplished one moment at a time. Maybe you would like to join me in this adventure. I think it is going to be filled with blessings and joy!

So that your trust (belief, reliance, support, and confidence) may be in the Lord, I have made known these things to you today, even to you. (Solomon) Proverbs 22:19 (Amp)