We all share something in common and that is each one of us has a past, a present and a future in our lives. The Bible can help us to deal with these three aspects of living and understand how they fit in the lives we seek to live for Him. We must learn how to balance all of these in our lives.
Consider our past. There are those who look at their past and all they can see are the mistakes they have made. To focus on the blunders of the past is not healthy, and it can so easily create a sense of shame because of what we did. To focus on the blunders causes many to live in fear of the day of judgment. This results in an attitude of low self-esteem and depression. The Bible speaks with clarity about how to deal with those deeds of the past before we became Christians. Paul looked at his past and said, “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward…I press toward the goal…” (Phil. 3:13-14). When your past mistakes press upon you, just remember that in one sense God does not even remember you did them (Jer. 31:34)!
Consider the future. Before looking at the present, take time to realize what the Bible says about the future. The mistake that many make is that they think they know what lies ahead and that they control all that will happen to them. The Bible clearly says, “You do not know what will happen tomorrow” (James 4:14). Just before Jesus ascended, He reminded the apostles of an eternal truth. “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority” (Acts 1:7). What He has revealed about the future gives us glimpses of the end of this age and the coming judgment, but He has not revealed the tomorrows in our lives. How do we balance the unknown future in daily living? Keep this in mind. While we do not know what the future holds, we do know Him who holds the future. Trust Him!
Consider the present. We must never forget the importance of using this day to the fullest. We cannot change the mistakes of the past and we cannot know the events of tomorrow. Listen to God as He speaks of the events of today. The word “today” is found three times in Hebrews chapter three. It is used twice to show the importance of hearing the voice of God today and not be rebellious to what He says (vs. 7, 15). Read carefully what God says in verse thirteen. “Exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” You might consider the prayer I heard of an older brother years ago. “Lord, I am lonely, my mate is dead and my children have almost forgotten me. Take me home tonight, but if there is anything I can do for you tomorrow, be sure to wake me up.” Make the most you can of today. Make sure you live a balanced life.