That Was Then, This Is Now, Tomorrow Is Next

One of the most unfortunate aspects of self-defeating patterns in life is holding on to the things that no longer serve you.

Sometimes Christians think this is a form of utter selfishness when you leave the old things behind and carry on toward greater heights or people that value you.

Letting go is freedom to the soul.

Let’s look at the call of Abram from Genesis 12 to see an example of this in action.

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed’” (Genesis 12:1-3 [ESV]).

The next verse after these is also telling.

“So Abram went, as the Lord had told him….” (Genesis 12:4 [ESV]).

When God calls us to leave everything behind, we are to go. No looking back, no remembering the negative things of the days of the yoke of slavery.

We must carefully balance this understanding with the fact that having fond memories is not the problem.

It is the old patterns and habits we carry with us as we go.

We are to leave our native land and go forward toward the land of promise.

One of the saddest things I’ve seen besides genuine mourning over loss in the Christian sphere is holding on to the skeletons of the past.

Skeletons are not alive—the bones remain. Meaning there is still a presence there, but the flesh and life have been shed from these things.

The past is gone and never coming back. I often think of tragic characters like Jay Gatsby—who held on to his dear Daisy (who wasn’t all that endearing) for far too long.

The present is the place you are at today (obvious definition). But it is where you are at the current stop of your journey. Cherish it. Hold it close to your heart. It reminds you of where you’ve come from.

I’ve often heard it said, “I remember when I was praying for the things I have now.” That’s a positive way to look at the past. Holding on to baggage and the death of what was is not.

Breathe in the present moment and realize this also is not the last stop.

God Himself sees time as one emanation—past, present, and future mean little to Him.

But we are not built like that. He made us experience time.

He gives graciously to all who ask of Him eternal truths and wisdom—and it takes time passing for this to occur in almost every case.

The present moment is an appropriate time to thank God for what He has done, is doing, and will do.

The future is unknown to us at this point. But tomorrow is something God takes care of. Sometimes He lets it slip to you what is on the horizon, using little breadcrumbs or signs to show you that you’re on the right path.

Don’t ignore these. And don’t worry about people who have zero spiritual understanding thinking these things are the stuff of lost minds. The spiritual world is real, prophecy is real, and you can’t be called a Christian if you don’t believe in these two things.

But don’t play with fire in seeking signs instead of biblical understanding. God speaks to us in many ways yet wants us to know His words in the Scriptures.

Faith is not believing without evidence. Sometimes He sends signs as evidence. There is so much evidence for the Scriptures and Yahweh being the one and only true God.

There’s nothing wrong in asking for a sign if your heart is pure before our Elohim.

These paths we take lead us to our highest good—the emanation of the Creator’s light in this realm we inhabit.

I’ve studied traditions that teach God uses our intended path to course-correct our souls for the best possible result. So if you’re worried about the future, don’t be.

God has the future already planned for you (and free will works with His omniscience).

Maybe the person you’re trying to manifest is also doing the same for you, and God’s got it covered.

The person you’re aiming to become might be five years down your road.

Remember, some blessings are meant for further down the road—after our soul has learned the lessons it needs to.

God has the most amazing plan for your life.

I know Jeremiah 29:11 is in the context of Israel being restored, but it applies to us believers who are grafted into Israel. The plans He has are good for us, and our best days are ahead of us.

Whether you’ve walked the past, cherish the present, or look forward to the future, God is there.

Blessings to you, and may God send you understanding and love this holiday season. May Adonai bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you.