Living in awareness of both the past and present is a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, encouraging believers to remember God's faithfulness while actively engaging in the present moment. This dual awareness fosters a deeper understanding of God's work in history and His ongoing presence in our lives.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently calls believers to remember the past as a means of strengthening faith and guiding present actions. In Deuteronomy 6:12, Moses warns the Israelites, "Be careful that you do not forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." This call to remembrance serves as a foundation for living in awareness, reminding believers of God's past deliverance and faithfulness.

Similarly, the Psalms often recount God's mighty deeds as a source of encouragement and hope. Psalm 77:11-12 states, "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds." This reflection on the past is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual discipline that informs and enriches the believer's present experience.

The Role of Memory

Memory plays a crucial role in living in awareness. The Bible emphasizes the importance of remembering God's commandments and His acts of salvation. In Joshua 4:6-7, the Israelites set up stones as a memorial to remember crossing the Jordan River: "These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Such memorials serve as tangible reminders of God's intervention and faithfulness, anchoring the present in the reality of God's past actions.

Present Awareness

While the past provides a foundation, the Bible also calls believers to be fully present and attentive to God's work in the here and now. Jesus emphasizes this in Matthew 6:34, saying, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." This teaching encourages believers to focus on the present, trusting in God's provision and guidance for each day.

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 3:13-14, where he writes, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." Here, Paul acknowledges the importance of the past but emphasizes the need to actively pursue God's calling in the present.

Balancing Past and Present

Living in awareness of both past and present requires a balance that is deeply rooted in faith. The past should inform and inspire, but not hinder, the believer's present walk with God. Hebrews 12:1-2 provides guidance on this balance: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."

This passage highlights the importance of learning from those who have gone before while maintaining a forward-looking focus on Christ. By remembering the past and engaging with the present, believers can live a life that honors God and reflects His ongoing work in the world.