I live too much in the future. My mind spends too much time imagining where I would like to be someday and what I would like to be doing. Or, I rehearse a confrontation with someone at work, a confrontation that will likely never happen. I’ve noticed I spend a lot of time rehearsing future interactions with people. And almost all of those never take place.
Yesterday my mind left work, which has been miserable lately, and went on one of its trips to fantasyland, to my dream job somewhere in the future. Maybe my mind was trying to escape the junk that was going on at work. But I didn’t escape the stress. I brought the stress right along with me. And I noticed that thinking about what I don’t have – my dream job – added to my sense of stress.
Then this thought hit me (which I certainly believe came from God)… instead of thinking about what I don’t have, think about what I DO have. What do I have? I have the constant presence of the Holy Spirit of God and Jesus within me. And I had a great day yesterday, frequently turning my mind toward what I do have.
So I’m trying to start this morning by keeping my mind in the present, on what I do have – my constant companion. And no matter where my mind might wander during the day, I know He will be waiting for me to come back to Him. And I’m so grateful. Thank you Lord.
October 10, 2014 at 5:54 am
My mind drifts often like this too. I’ve been trying to live in what God has provided for me today and not worry about tomorrow. He has a plan and I’m learning to just trust that.
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October 10, 2014 at 6:00 am
Hi John. For me, it seems the old saying applies… “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I feel like a stubborn old dog sometimes. But God is no ordinary teacher, and He’s breaking through my ornery self. Thankfully. And thanks for commenting.
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October 10, 2014 at 6:43 am
Your reflections have depth, yet are accessible and practical. Excellent.
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October 10, 2014 at 11:08 am
This is an eye opener. Great post. Looking forward to more! x
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October 10, 2014 at 11:55 am
I’m glad you liked it. Thank you.
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