The Gift of the Present Moment

{vision} One day as I was praying for wisdom in carrying out a long-term goal, I saw a vision of a Christmas tree with presents beneath it. In my spirit, I saw myself waking up each morning like I did as a child on Christmas morning—with a feeling of excitement, expectation, and hope.

When I received this vision, I sensed Holy Spirit calling me to seek the treasures that the Father has prepared for me each day of my life. So often, from the moment we wake up to the time we fall asleep, our thoughts can be plagued with our to-do lists. Many things need to be done, and many things need to be addressed. And depending on the urgency of those needs, it can be hard to stop and recognize the good that is before us.

However, in those moments when we feel like we’re not moving fast enough and doing enough, our thoughts are consumed with the possible future. As a result, we can miss the treasures hidden in the present moment. Therefore, Holy Spirit is calling us to slow down and take inventory.

When we’re able to pause and fully inhabit the present moment, it gives us the opportunity to shift our focus back to God. We realize we don’t have to continually feel in a place of need and lack because we have Emmanuel—God with us. God is present with us in our day-to-day lives. He is the answer to every prayer, the fulfillment of every desire, and the provision for our every need.

Isaiah 65:24 reminds us of God’s loving care towards us. He says, “I’ll anticipate their prayers and respond before they know it; even as they speak, I will hear” (VOICE). And Matthew 6:8 tells us that our Heavenly Father knows what we need before we even ask. For those that would align with the Father’s heart, Holy Spirit says now, “Wake up each morning with an expectation of good. There are so many treasures I have in store for you. Know that each moment of each day has a gift from My heart hidden in it.

“I have not left you. I will never forsake you. So know and trust that I have provided exactly what you need for today and every day.”

No longer do we have to fear the past. And worrying about our future will not benefit us. There’s a way for us to keep our mind on the next spiritual destination without taking our eyes off the road—off of the present. We can remember that God has the future in His hands. Even more, we can remember that God is with us. Just as the Israelites in the wilderness had the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar fire by night, we too carry God’s abiding presence with us. And by focusing on the gift of the present moment and His abiding presence within it, we open our hearts to receive His daily provision for the journey ahead.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (VOICE) But as the Scriptures say, No eye has ever seen and no ear has ever heard and it has never occurred to the human heart All the things God prepared for those who love Him.

Isaiah 65:24 (VOICE) I’ll anticipate their prayers and respond before they know it; even as they speak, I will hear.

Deuteronomy 29:6 (VOICE) You haven’t had bread to eat or wine or strong drink to consume, but I’ve fed you each day with manna so you’d know that I, the Eternal, am your God who protects you and provides for you.

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