Today … the link between yesterday and tomorrow

There’s a clever insertion between the past and the future.

It’s called TODAY.

Using it wisely will help sort the past and plan for the future. But living ‘today’ is difficult for some. They don’t take advantage of this very special day. When you consider that today was yesterday’s tomorrow and that within 24 short hours it will be part of our past, it challenges us to get all we can from it.

Some are mesmerized by their past and take great pleasure in its memories. They’d go back if they could. Their future might be cloudy, but what’s behind is crystal clear. If they could only ‘turn back the clock!’

Others are hounded by their past. Mistakes, trauma and pain mark their trail through life. Yet, they too, continue to spend their todays reliving the drama they survived. They haven’t found a way to learn the lesson while forgetting the details, the sins committed, the opportunities lost.

The Apostle Paul tells us to forget what’s behind and move ahead. (Philippians 3:13) He could recall the past, yet didn’t live there … he took from those experiences lessons that moved him forward successfully. He gives the reason he could leave the past behind him with this powerful statement: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” II Corinthians 5:17 ESV

 But what about tomorrow? We are cautioned in Proverbs: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1 So does that leave us dangling and out of control? What do we do with a tomorrow we can’t see … a future without clear definition?

First, trust God with your future … all of it. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5,6 New Living Translation

 Next, not only trust, but relax in God’s plans for you. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 ESV    “Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.” Psalm 37:37 ESV

 Today, remember … your future isn’t anchored to your past. It’s as bright and secure as the very promises of God.

“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”

Proverbs 16:3 New Living Translation