Do you ever long for yesterday when life may have felt more joyful or manageable than today?
Do you ever get stuck on the pain or regret of yesterday and miss out on the blessings of today?
Do you ever want to rush through today or long for tomorrow because today feels too hard?
Do you ever get distracted with fear of tomorrow and the next?
Lately, I have been longing for yesterday. Today, things feel pretty hard. The sandwich generation is in full force. Physical ailments are bringing discomfort and new limitations, aging parents are bringing worry and grief, and kids growing into little adults are bringing role shifts of confusion, while fear for their futures compounds.
Today, these are my hard things.
And I often find myself not fully present because I'm
longing for yesterday or stressing about tomorrow.
Where do you find yourself today?
What if God is doing something today?
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Isaiah 43:18-19 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
What if by
dwelling on the hard,
longing for the past, or
wishing for or fearing the future,
we are missing what he is doing
in the present?
Thought Stopping
Thought-stopping is a technique not only to halt the brain's rapid descent down a rabbit mental hole but also a way to bring yourself back to the present. Today, we will focus on the latter, coming back to the present.
Too much of our present is wasted in the past or future. Grounding is essential to enjoying life today. When you find yourself stuck in the past or distracted by the future, ground yourself. Say the word "Today" out loud so you can hear and be redirected to what is happening right now.
Positive memories are joyous to think about but can hold you back if you remain there. Speak "TODAY" and lift up a thank you for the blessings of that time (James 1:17).
Negative memories can cause ruminations of regret and despair. Speak "TODAY" and trust that God is making all things new (Revelations 21:5).
Rushing through with your heart set on what's next deceitfully steals because it's always about the next thing. Speak "TODAY" and ask God to help you slow down and look for Him in the moment (Romans 8:28)
Uncertainty about your loved ones and your circumstances can boil up a fear that can cause paralysis. Speak "Today" and thank God that He knows the future and will remain with you through it (Psalm 139:16, Deuteronomy 31:8).