I’ve come to realize that, whenever I find myself overwhelmed by worry, what I’m really doing is imagining a future without God in it. I’m facing the future alone, forgetting to add the God factor into that future. That’s when worry comes in. But the moment I catch myself, and pause and reflect, I start seeing the error of my thinking and soon my worrying about the future turns into praising God for His goodness in the present.
Understanding this pattern has been a turning point for me. Now, when I notice myself anxious and caught up in “what ifs,” I determine to stop and ask myself: Am I seeing God in my future? If I’m honest, I often realize that I’m not. That’s how I’ve learned to shift my focus and remind myself that God has helped me get this far. He’s been faithful every step of the way—through challenges, joys, setbacks, and successes. Looking back, I see His provision, His presence, His comfort, His strength, His faithfulness, and His hand guiding me. Because He has been faithful in the past, I can trust that He will remain faithful in the future.
When I intentionally choose to see God in my future, worry begins to fade. I picture Him walking ahead of me, holding my hand, or standing beside me, and I remind myself that He is already there, preparing the way before me. Recognizing His presence in the future gives me confidence and peace. Meditating on His promises in His Word builds a sure foundation for my faith and hope for the future.
I wish I could say that I have mastered this practice. I have not. But what I can say is that it has been a major tool in turning worry about the future into praise that includes the past, the present, and the future all in one. When I worry, I am reminded that I’ve been helped thus far, and I can trust that God will continue to be faithful. Seeing Him in my future means trusting in His goodness, His plans, and His love—no matter what comes my way. And I no longer need to fear what’s ahead because I know that God is constantly with me and is working all things together for my good.