Ready:
"I will bless the LORD who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me. I always let the LORD guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” – Psalm 16:7-8
Set:
In tournaments, athletes and coaches typically adopt a “survive and advance” mentality. You just try to survive the present game or match so that you can advance to a better game or match. It’s tempting to approach challenging seasons of life with this same “survive and advance” perspective. You just try to survive the present situation until things advance enough to hopefully get to a better situation.
This “survive and advance” mentality can be potentially harmful, however. If we’re just biding our time until a better future arrives, we miss the full experience of what God is doing right now. Psalm 16 opens with the psalmist praying, “Protect me, God, for I take refuge in you.” He’s clearly facing a challenging situation. But rather than adopting a “survive and advance” approach, the psalmist focuses on this truth about the Lord: “Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” God is present with him moment by moment, so the psalmist chooses to stay present with the Lord.
Following the lead of this psalm, here’s how we move away from a “survive and advance” mentality so that we don’t miss what God is doing right now. First, praise God for His presence in the present. As hard as our current situation may be, we can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is with us. Like the psalmist, bless the Lord for being present with us. Praise Him for His faithful care. Give thanks to God for His Word through which we can hear His voice, receive His counsel and benefit from His guidance.
Second, pay attention to God’s work in the present. Whatever the circumstances, God is still very much at work here and now. In fact, challenging times give us a unique opportunity to experience God’s work in us and through us—if we’re paying attention in the present rather than only looking to the future. God is speaking, leading and transforming us in the present. Pay attention to Him by spending time with Him and looking for His work today.
If you’re in a challenging season, resist the temptation to get stuck in a “survive and advance” mindset. Don’t miss what the Lord is doing right now. Focus on God’s presence in the present, embracing the unique opportunity each day gives to grow closer to the Lord.
Go:
When are you tempted to adopt a “survive and advance” mindset, potentially missing God’s work in the present?
What steps can you take to practice praising God for His presence and paying attention to His work?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord, I praise You and thank You that You are always present with me. I pray that I would stay present with You in the present, paying attention to Your work. Thank You for what You’re doing here and now. Amen.”