THOUGHTFUL THINGS
Living Faithfully in the Past, Present, and Future
Life is a journey made up of three parts: the past we remember, the present we live in, and the future we hope for. Each part holds lessons, challenges, and promises from God. Understanding how to view each one through a biblical lens helps us live with peace and purpose.
Our past is filled with experiences— some good, some painful. While we can learn from the past, we must not live in it. Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” We cannot change yesterday, but we can let go of the weight of regret and move forward in Christ.
The present is a gift, and that is why it is called the “present.” Each day is a fresh opportunity to walk in God’s will. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:34, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Worrying about the future or dwelling on the past robs us of today’s blessings. Instead, we should trust God moment by moment, making the most of every opportunity to glorify Him.
The future is uncertain to us, but not to God. Our hope is anchored in His promises. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” No matter what lies ahead, we can rest knowing that God has a plan for our good. Our ultimate future is eternal life with Him, a hope that gives us strength in every season. To live well, we must learn to release the past, embrace the present, and trust God for the future. Psalm 31: 15 declares, “My times are in thy hand.” That means every season— past, present, and future—is under God’s control. When we walk by faith, we can live without fear because the One who holds yesterday, today, and forever is faithful.
So, let us move forward with gratitude for what God has done, faith for what He is doing, and hope for what He will do.
We invite you to visit us at The Family Church 9456 Hwy 146 N Hardin, TX. You can also watch our services live via Facebook at @tfchardin.