"This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. 19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. 20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Past -- Present -- Future
Where is your focus?
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19
Living in the past is miserable! Reliving past mistakes. Reliving hurts.
What should the past look like?
"Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you" Revelation 3:3
“All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" John 14:25-26
Benefits of looking at the past:
Look back with gratefulness at what God has done.
"Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced" Psalm 105:5
"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded." Hebrews 10:32-35
Living in the Present:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Philippians 4:6-8
What is the future worth?
Galatians 6: 9
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" Galatians 6:9
"But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells" 2 Peter 3:13
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" 1 Peter 3:15
What a difference living in the present would bring:
"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" Colossians 4:5-6
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16
A present filled with hope for the future:
"Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" Romans 12:18
We are meant to live eye-to-eye face-to-face with the world. God is trying to lead us somewhere. If I get distrasted I possibly will not follow His lead. Focus on what is now. Thing about what you do have. Thing about all the blessings. What good are we when we wander from God's path?
No matter what God's timing is His promises will be fulfilled.
Don't categorize people. Everyone is loved by Jesus! Jesus leaves the door open to everyone until their very last breath here on earth. Live today to the fullest.