“A robust faith requires that we grasp this truth firmly, yet we know how seldom such a thought enters our minds. We habitually stand in our now and look back in faith to see our past filled with God. We look forward and see Him inhabiting our future; but our now is uninhabited except for ourselves. Thus we are guilty of a kind of temporary atheism which leave us alone in the universe, while for a time, God is not.” - A.W. Tozer. I havent heard the phrase in a long time, but we used to speak of being dragged from pillar to post. Though the phrase isnt as popular, anymore, the sentiment still describes the way our past hurts and future worries seem to drag us around. If we think about it, the present is all we really have thats real. There is nothing, currently real about the past. It exists as (albeit vivid) pictures in our minds. Often those memories are not even accurate interpretations of what really happened in that span of time. On the other hand, the future - whether anticipated with optimism or chagrin - rarely turns out to be the way we think it will. So, we are left with circumstances (in the present) to which we give more attention than we do to our God. When we allow circumstantiality to rule us, arent we displacing the One who can actually rule our circumstances. Silly, isnt it?! Worse yet, we live in our present, as if God has nothing to do with our circumstances. This is the very essence of practical atheism. To have God on our lips - without trust in our hearts - is exactly what it means to use Gods name in vain. Do you live as if God doesnt exist? Do you make decisions because you want to, or because you want to please your God? Are your thoughts controlled by the past? Or, do you suffer from destination sickness, - erroneously convinced that youll be happy when...? Commit NOW - by faith - to live in the present. It is truly a gift! Father forgive us of our practical atheism. Turn our hearts toward You, and give us the wisdom we need to live, richly, within the moments we have right now. - Amen and amen. - HW Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:31-34)
Posted on: Fri, 18 Apr 2014 10:56:54 +0000
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