Authenticity is Presence

The third step outlined for us in Psalm 37:3 that will help us to focus on living a "now-centered life" involves where you dwell. The verse tells us to “dwell in the land.” It reads like this, "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land ...." That doesn’t mean you can’t move or change neighborhoods. But it does mean you treat your moves like the Israelites did theirs. They followed God’s lead. Early on, He showed them when to move by using a cloud or a pillar of fire. As they developed into a nation, He told them in other ways.

God has His own unique style of speaking to you too. If He wants you to move somewhere, He’ll say it. But until He does, be satisfied dwelling where you are right now. To dwell is to "be present." It’s to show up. It’s to contribute toward and be blessed by the now moments rather than always be house-shopping, career-shopping, relationship-shopping, or dreaming of that better day. To dwell in the land isn't only talking about where you live. It relates to how we see our present reality. We are to learn contentment with who we are, who we know, and what we do. Oftentimes, God prevents us from moving on until He sees we are content to stay - whether that is in a job, relationship, or a location like our home, church, or society.

Lastly, in the passage of Psalm 37:3, we are told to “cultivate faithfulness.” The passage reads like this, "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." Faithfulness simply means authenticity. It means truthfulness and dependability. You do this by aligning your thoughts, words, and actions with your inner values, values based on God's Word. When these align, you’re living an authentic, faithful, and present life. As you remain faithful to God, He will give you the grace to be present. This is because, in your faithfulness, you'll learn how to be satisfied with trusting God's plan for every moment of each day. God has a plan for you. It isn't always revealed all at once. We can't always make sense of the pains we feel or the problems we face. But what we can do is know that the One who loves us and created us wants to conform us to the image of His Son, and He does this as we live present lives that are faithful to Him and His will.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to trust, do good, dwell, and cultivate faithfulness in my life that is pleasing to You.

* Was this Plan helpful? We adapted this Plan from It's All Good: 90 Devotions To Embrace Your Now (by Heather Hair, DaySpring).