There is a part of me that still struggles to live in the present.
I had way too much time on my hands growing up. A loner most my life. Surviving childhood trauma, I had nothing better to do then to find a way to protect myself from further pain.
Always analyzing and trying to predict what "may" happen in the days ahead. Whether in a personal situation, conflict, a person, school, work, family, etc. Always worrying and thinking ahead, along with remembering my painful past. Relying on my own judgements and decisions. Not letting "today" happen for itself.
Let me tell you, doing this kind of analyzing is very exhausting, fearful and frustrating.
SO........
God wants to give me His Grace to live in the present. To t-r-u-s-t Him. He would want me to depend totally on Him. To give Him all my worries. To live the moment(s) He has given me "in the now."
Also having to concentrate on letting go of my past. Yes, my past was sad, unhappy and damaging. But God wants me to begin to live in the present now. Begin a-new.
Will not be easy. But, doing so, giving myself over to Him is all part of my journey to freedom.
My grace is sufficient for you, but its sufficiency is for one day at a time. That's why it is essential for you to learn how to live in the present.
Your mind so easily slips into the future, where worry is abound. You also spend way too much time analyzing the past. Meanwhile, splendors of the present moment parade before you, and you don't even notice. Part of the problem is your tendency to strive for self sufficiency. I will help you learn to rest in My sufficiency, depending on Me more and more.
You need My grace in order to live in the present. Grace is all about My provision for you, but accepting that goes against the grain of your natural tendencies. Each day you face a number of situations requiring My help. Moment by moment I proffer to you the needed assistance. Your part is to recognize your neediness and receive what I offer.
My Presence is with you always, providing everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow's needs. My sufficiency is for a day at a time - today!
Sarah Young - Jesus Lives "Seeing His Love in Your Life"
I specifically purchased this book recently. Out of all the other books she has to offer, I wanted something on God's love. A topic very hard for me to feel and understand.
Again, I find it crazy just how much our written thoughts are synced. I read the title and laughed.
ReplyDeleteThis is like an inside joke between me and my t. She says it to me every time I see her in hopes that maybe one day it'll stick (either that or I'll be brainwashed, she jokes, she'll take either!)
I think it's a normal struggle for us (trauma survivors) given what we went through at a young age. Trying to understand something that even adults can't was too much for our little brains and we compensated by evaluating everything, whether it was a true threat or not.
That took away our ability to be in the moment because we were 8384723 steps ahead the moment in order to feel safe.
I've never heard of Sarah Young before. She seems to know the heart of God. I'm like you a worrier. Trying to break that habit. Your words are encouragment to my ears.
ReplyDeleteI understand where you are coming from. I don't worry about the future -- in fact, I am very comfortable about it -- but I do find myself living there more often than in the present. (As for the past, it takes a lot to make me go back there!) Good post...
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, JBR. When we focus too much on the past and worry too much about the future it is hard to hear what God is trying to tell us in the present moment. These are beautiful words from Sarah Young. I've never heard of her before now but these are very wise words for all of us to reflect on :)
ReplyDeleteI hope that the book will minister to you. Take care JBR.
ReplyDeleteJBR a very inspiring post from you. It always seems you know what God is leading you to do. You can't go wrong with God. God Bless
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, JBR. I tend to worry and think about the things that could happen. I guess we can get stuck in the "yuck" that's happened in the past and let fear keep us from a healthy whole present! He makes all things new!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Erin
www.mynuggetsoftruth.blogspot.com
Being a survivor I find it very hard to stay in the present sometimes. Thanks for this post. His grace is truly sufficient.
ReplyDeleteOnce again you have shared something which I can relate to very well. My thoughts are always on the future by saying things like, "What if...then I'll do..." or "I don't want such & such to happen again," then there's, "But last time..."
ReplyDeleteI also love the photo you chose again.
smooches,
Larie
Hi JBR,
ReplyDeleteI have just finished writing a post on sanctification, maybe it will help tie this all in together for you. I should have it up soon.
Always praying, :)
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That is a hard one to learn but once you can learn to change your way of thinking you will find peace within.
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