The Myth of Next Week: Finding God in the Noise

by Paul Monahan - One of the greatest temptations of our times is to live ahead of ourselves and not believe that something is happening here and now. It is part of the way our culture presents itself to us.

The world in which we live wants us to believe that the real thing is happening tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year. Those who have an interest in trying to sell us something more or new would like us to believe that. Maybe a new lifestyle, a house, a car or maybe a holiday… if I only won the lottery!

The challenge is not just to know whether this is true or not. Because not only should we question, “Do I believe this?” But to ponder on, “Why do or don’t I believe this?” How do you know what is true and real?

As a member of a Vineyard Church, I do understand the concept of the now and “yet to come.” But unfortunately, we cannot live in the “yet to come” even though we may believe in it.

As Christians, we are challenged to believe that what is happening, is always happening here and now. At this moment. Now.

If we live in the now, to the fullest, the future will grow. It will reveal itself to us because we have already received the Spirit. We have already received the beginning of the eternal life. We are already in the House of God. We are already breathing God's breath. Let's stay there and listen carefully.

The question then becomes “Am I listening?” Because God is always speaking. We just have to learn, to choose to cut off the din of modern life with all its lights, sound bites, whistles, bells and endless scrolling; to be able to focus on the still small voice of the One who loves us.

Who can encourage us in our future while nurturing us in our present? Only the Lover of our soul truly knows us; our present, our past and indeed our future.

The question God is asking you and me is, “Are you really present with Me?” Even when we are apparently still and quiet. Above all else God wants us to be present, then and only then can we truly connect. In the loudness, the stillness and at times in the deafening silence.

It is not that I don’t see the possibility of the best is yet to come! I also recognise that it will be built on the foundation of today.

If we can learn to exist well in the now, making the most of the now is probably the best way in securing a rich and fulfilling future. We only really understand the potential of the future in connection with the One who holds the future and is preparing us for now.

Blessings
Paul Monahan

What’s one way that you are “unplugging” this week to be present?

1. The “If Only” Trap: Paul mentions the temptation to believe the “real thing” is happening later (new house, car, lottery win). What is the specific “If only...” that most frequently pulls your focus away from today?
2. Defining Reality: Paul asks, “How do you know what is true and real?” In a world of social media, ads and marketing, what practical rhythms help you stay grounded in what is actually true?
3. Cutting the Din: What does the “din of modern life” look like for you (scrolling, notifications, mental checklists)? What is one “bell or whistle” you could silence this week to better hear the “still small voice of the One who loves you”?
4. Building the Foundation: Paul suggests that a rich future is built on the “foundation of today.” If you lived today to the absolute fullest, what kind of future would you be inadvertently building?