Today’s Key Scripture

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.”

— Proverbs 3:5-6, msg

God’s paths point to the future. The moment you allow past experiences to dominate either your present or future, you are headed for problems.

I’ve known people who have carried the same heavy baggage for ten, twenty, or more years. Finally, the weight of the burden zaps their energy and they collapse under the load.

“Keep looking ahead” should become a personal philosophy that defines our approach to every encounter. Don’t be like Job, who lamented, “My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart” (Job 17:11).

Yearning for the security of yesterday almost halted the great Exodus before it began: “And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 16:3, KJV).

Again and again, we are warned against lingering in the past: “Do not say, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For you do not inquire wisely concerning this” (Ecclesiastes 7:10). More to the point, our Lord says, “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old” (Isaiah 43:18).

God’s blessings are for you today and tomorrow. Remember that as you spend time in His presence today.

 

A Prayer for Today

Lord, my God, I seek You today. I don’t want to dwell on the past, but I desire to move forward on Your pathway. I know I am powerless without Your divine guidance and intervention every day of my life, and I am so grateful that You continue to have mercy upon me as I walk with You day by day. I ask for Your tender mercies, love, and forgiveness. Even though I am so undeserving, I thank You for dying on the cross for all of my sins and shortcomings. Grant that I may increasingly live pleasing in Your sight, seeking Your will, and giving all glory to You. I pray this in the name above all names, Jesus, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.