The Principle of the Present
Maybe you've heard the old adage – “Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present!”
Every day is a gift from God. This recognition prompted the psalmist to write these words:
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24 (NLT)
The writer reminded us of a simple fact — the only day we have is today! The present is God's gift to us. What we make of today is determined by the attitudes we have about it, and the actions we take during it.
Many of our bad decisions are the result of violating the “principle of the present.” We make lots of mistakes when we live in the pain or problems of the past, or in the fears or fantasies of the future.
When we're stuck in the hurts of “what has been,” we waste mental and emotional energy that would better be applied to “what is.” And when we allow our thoughts to run ahead to “what will be,” we create expectations and scenarios of unlikely catastrophies or unrealistic bliss — both of which deceive us and drive us to poor decisions now.
The best way to be assured of great “tomorrows” is to:
- Let go of your “yesterdays” — forgive and be forgiven!
- Choose the right attitudes today.
- Attend to your present responsibilities faithfully.
Doesn't sound all that glamorous does it? The good news is, although these steps don't seem very glamourous, through God's help they're doable. And when we do them, they make an incredible difference in our lives.
The “principle of the present” is a divine principle. When you embrace it, it will bless you!
Dale O'Shields
For more information, visit the Church of the Redeemer's website.
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