Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?
Life is a journey marked by moments that shape our perspectives. Often, we find ourselves caught between two realms of thought: the past and the future. Reflection on both can be healthy, but as Christians, the Word of God offers clear guidance on where our focus should primarily rest.
Dwelling on the Past: Lessons or Chains?
The past can be a rich source of wisdom and personal growth, but it can also become a prison when we dwell too long on regrets, failures, or even past successes. God encourages us to learn from the past but not be enslaved by it.
Consider Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV):
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
This passage emphasizes that God is constantly at work, bringing new opportunities and seasons. While we can learn from past experiences, living there prevents us from embracing the “new thing” God is doing today.
Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV):
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, understood the importance of releasing the past to walk fully in God’s calling.
Obsessing Over the Future: Faith or Anxiety?
While planning for the future is wise, an unhealthy preoccupation with it can lead to fear and anxiety. Jesus warned against this in Matthew 6:34 (NIV):
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
The key difference between godly preparation and anxious obsession is trust. Trusting God means believing that He holds our future securely, as Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) reminds us:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
The Call to Live in the Present
So, where should a believer’s focus be? The Bible encourages a present-minded faith that stays anchored in God’s truth while trusting Him for the future.
Psalm 118:24 (NIV) says:
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Today matters because it is where God meets us. It is in the present that we can love, serve, and worship Him fully.
Jesus also taught the importance of staying present in John 15:5 (NIV):
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
To “remain” is a present, continuous action—staying connected to Christ daily, not living in regret or fear of what’s next.
Balancing Reflection and Hope
• Remember God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on God’s goodness in your life, like David in Psalm 77:11, who declared, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”
• Hope for the Future: Live with joyful expectation. Proverbs 23:18 reminds us, “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Practical Steps for a Healthy Focus:
1. Pray Daily: Ask God for clarity and peace about the past and the future. (Philippians 4:6-7)
2. Renew Your Mind: Meditate on Scriptures that ground you in truth. (Romans 12:2)
3. Practice Gratitude: Keep a journal of God’s faithfulness in the present.
4. Seek Accountability: Share your struggles and victories with trusted believers.
Conclusion: Eyes on Jesus
Ultimately, our focus should not be the past or the future but Christ Himself. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) captures this beautifully:
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
When Jesus becomes the center of our attention, the past loses its grip, and the future is entrusted into His loving hands. Live fully today, trusting the One who holds your past, present, and future.
Which realm has been consuming your thoughts lately? Let today be the day you realign your focus on Christ.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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