Now.
These 3 letters signify all we have. They signify husbands who hope to receive a smile. Children who simply want our presence. Parents who are eager just to hear our voice. Friends who deeply desire to be understood.
They signify the only thing we are guaranteed and the only place where it is possible to make change. They signify our present purpose. They signify the meeting ground for our heart and God’s – a God who stands waiting, hoping and eager to meet us.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Ps. 16:11
Yet, what I also notice is that staying in “now” is just about as hard as staying in constant peace, which I figure may be almost one in the same. And, just this thought, this pressure of staying in peace, nearly sends me into a tailspin where that notorious hook comes to pull me off the stage of God’s purpose and peace.
Adios, bad girl! Where are the tomatoes?
As I step away from the faces, the eyes, the hope, the joy and the love longing for me in the here and now, I almost can’t help but dwell in the two places no human, known to man, has ever been able to ever control: the past and the future. I start to see all that I am not and all that God can’t possibly do for me: He can’t possibly be with a girl like me, he can’t possibly promise to help in this situation, he can’t possibly do good things here.
Feet that walk from the vibration of God’s
truth, love and presence
walk into the trepidation of discord, doubt and defeat.
I’ve done it one too many times; I should know.
One too many times that makes me think one more time about my approach (And, yes, observant friend, I realize this is going to the past, but occasionally we go to the past, with the goal to move past the past) and something is stirring.
Living in the moment and living in striving
are mutually exclusive.
And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Ex. 33:14
Notice God does the going and we do the resting.
We just behold him and he holds us.
We be with and he works in.
Simple stuff. And, that’s how it is to live in the “now,” it’s simple. It simple laughs, simple tears, simple words heard, simple hearts held, simple games played, simple words shared and simple love bestowed. But, what it all adds up to at the end of ones life, far surpasses simple and far beyond normal. It ends up nearly exceeding glorious, or perhaps being the sum of it – because what we see in our future, a day that will finally come to a close is that we really loved. We loved deeply and wildly and passionately and greatly and meaningfully.
But the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor. 13:13
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Linking with #DanceWithJesus, #FiveMinuteFriday and #LiveFreeThursday.
Living in the “now” is never easy – but oh so important. Thanks for your post. – Sarah (stopping by from Five Minute Friday.)
Much love to you.
“Notice God does the going and we do the resting.” Oh my goodness, I needed this very statement today! Thank you, Kelly; what a beautiful post! #livefreeThursday
Much love to you Crystal!
I struggle with living in the now, and it definitely robs me of peace. When I’m not living in the now with Jesus, I’m struggling with regrets from the past or concern of the future. Give me the NOW Lord, as I rest in you! Thanks for a great post!
Yes, Lord, we want to stay with you and present to your momentary work. Amen.
The greatest of these is indeed love! Gods love always wins!! Parked in the 11 spot this week.
Amen! Thank you Jesus.
So beautiful, simple yet profound. Thank you Kelly for reminding me to live in the now (especially with my children by being present in the moment and enjoying the simplicity of their carefree enjoyment of life!) God bless you! #DancewithJesus
hank you Valerie. Let’s enjoy presence more and more.
Kelly,
I believe the enemy will do anything to coax us out of the here and now. I know, he’s done it to me many times. Knowing I have an anxiety disorder he loves to stir up anticipatory anxiety about the future and what it will hold. Thank you for this beautiful reminder that His peace available in the here and now…where He wants me to reside.
Blessings and thanks,
Bev
He does work on us. Bev, he is working against one who works in so much beauty for his name. Keep pushing against.
Hello, Kelly. I’m your neighbor today on Purposeful Faith. How fun!
Now. Yes, ma’am, that’s all we have. And His Word to rest in and on and learn from. Love how you ended with the greatest of these is love.
YAY. It’s it. We have so much all wrapped in to him. We are blessed for sure Susan, aren’t we?
Kelly, God has been dealing with my heart on the message you share here. I’ve discovered over the past two years, I didn’t live in the now. At all. It robbed me of so much joy and (like you said) peace. God is still teaching me, but I’m getting better! Being present here and now has brought me a satisfaction like I’ve never known. “The only place we are guaranteed and the only place it is possible to make change,” powerful stuff, girl! You’ve blessed me today:)
It is so hard to learn sometimes. I thank the Lord that he is speaking to us both, Kristine.
Love this! Especially: ” It simple laughs, simple tears, simple words heard, simple hearts held, simple games played, simple words shared and simple love bestowed.” Such a lovely picture of living in the now. So glad I read this today!
Thank you Angela. I love having you read my words; it means so much. Love you sista!