Past and Future

Martha then said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died ... Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha said to Him, "I know that he [Lazarus] will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." (John 11:21-24 NAS)

The 'if only' of the past dwells on regrets and the 'what if' of the future dwells on apprehension of the unknown, but between these two is the present. The past and the future are not as important as what needs to be done for the present, for Who is present with us is all that really matters. God is present to help and if we bring God's presence into every situation we face each day, we need not fear because if God is with us, for us, and in us, who or what can prevail against us (Romans 8:31-35)?

When faced with the death of her brother Lazarus, Martha in her grief blamed Jesus for not being there when she said, "if [only] You had been here." When Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again," Martha responded by thinking of the future, of the day her brother Lazarus will rise again, failing to see Who is present, the Giver of life, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus is present to help whenever we need help, and we can claim upon this promise so long as we continue to walk in Him. The past are just lessons in our lives we have to learn from and to go through. The future is just what lies ahead, unknown, yet not fearful because the Lord dwells in us, He will never forsake us. Let us all therefore cultivate in our daily lives the presence of God in every situation we face and in whatever we do. Let us not walk the present alone while on earth, for the Lord our God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1-4).

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help [us] in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 NAS)

Dear Lord, help us live our lives each day, conscious of Your presence with us in whatever we do, and in every situation we face. Help us not dwell too much on our past regrets but to claim Your forgiveness and the precious lessons learnt. Teach us Lord to live confidently in You without worrying too much about the future, knowing our future is in Your hands. Cause us to remember and never to forget You Lord in times of trouble and in times of peace. Keep us dear Lord in Your grace and lead us in Your ways to live our lives worthy of Your calling.

NOTE: Devotional idea adapted from sermon by Pastor Joseph Prince on "Your Every Blessing Is Found In The Person Of Jesus".