Many of us are not where we wish to be in various aspects of our lives. This could be related to our health, finances, career, or relationships. We may be hoping for positive changes in the near future. Can you relate to this truth in your life right now?
The Apostle Paul said, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14)
We are all reaching forward to the things we desire in life—pressing toward the prize, so to speak. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. God wants us to enjoy the abundant life Jesus died to give us. However, He also wants us to enjoy where we are right now in this moment.
Be thankful for where we are and not wait until we reach our desired destination.
The Bible says, Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. (Phil 4:11)
The Amplified Bible says it like this.
Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.
Satisfied to the point I am not disturbed. Wow. Can you say that about where you are right now?
As I have shared before, I have been looking for land, property with a house for a few years now. The land I want is secluded and private. I want to build a small dwelling on it and create a place for prayer meetings and worship gatherings. I have not been able to find such a property.
It’s been a long wait, and I have been discouraged at times. Lately, I noticed I was not enjoying the house or the property where I am right now as much as I did a few years ago. I had stopped decorating as often and wasn’t updating as I once did. I even had several things packed away for my ‘new place’ that I could have enjoyed where I am now. When I realized this, God began to speak to me.
He taught me that I wasn’t fully enjoying the present moment. I was waiting to get to my new place before fully embracing life. By doing that, I was letting time pass without fully experiencing the joy, peace, laughter, and appreciation for the things around me that God had given me. That day, I decided to begin changing my mindset. Yes, I would press forward to all God has for me in the future, but I wasn’t going to allow my future dreams to spoil my present realities. I would enjoy life fully and completely now.
The interesting thing is that once I changed my thought patterns in this area, I started to see my current situation from a new perspective. I began to find joy in my home and where I am today again. I am looking forward to decorating for fall, which comes right after my birthday. I am going to enjoy my birthday. I am grateful for where I am, who I am, what I am doing now, and even my age. I thank God for all of it. I am also thankful to God for making me realize that I need to enjoy where I am on the way to where I am going. I cannot allow my future to steal my present joy.
My friends, we shouldn’t wait until we reach our dream destination to be happy, joyful, or content. We need to enjoy each day in our present life to the fullest until it overflows, just like Jesus said. We can’t live in the atmosphere or mindset of…
I’ll be happy when I am out of debt.
I’ll be joyful when I am walking in my full healing.
I’ll be happy when all my family gets along.
I’ll be happy when I move to my new place.
No, we must choose to be happy where we are right now. As the Bible says, we must choose to be content to the point that we are not disturbed or anxious. It’s our choice. God’s Word says we can choose life or death – choose life – the absolute best life God has for you – right now, in this moment.
