Encouragement for Today

January 30, 2025 You Are Not Behind in 2025 MEGHAN RYAN ASBURY Lee en español

“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6 (NIV)

This time of year, I feel all sorts of behind — like on my to-do list for today and on all my New Year's resolutions. (Why do I act like they all have to be accomplished in January? There’s still a whole year left!)

Even deeper, I also feel like I’m not where I thought I would be in life at this point. Which makes me wonder if God’s plan for my life is as good as I hoped. I’m tempted to believe I need to take matters into my own hands to try to catch up to where I want to be.

As you can imagine, that rarely ends well.

When those doubts and lies from the enemy start to enter my mind, I try to remember Psalm 16:6: “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”

If we believe that God’s Word is true and that He has put us where we are right now — on purpose — then we can rest in the fact that we aren’t behind. What He has for us is pleasant and delightful, even here.

We don't have to stay defeated, thinking we're stuck, or white-knuckle our way through life as we try to get ahead. We can enjoy what’s right in front of us and trust that God is leading us where He wants us to go.

So how do we stop feeling like we’re behind and live like Psalm 16:6 is true? Here are three practices you can try today:

1. Get grateful. Gratitude often helps us feel more at ease with where we are right now. It can be simple — write down the first three blessings you can think of, and thank God for each of them. It doesn't have to be big stuff, but once you write it down, you’ll feel more hopeful about what’s ahead.

2. Quit comparing. Comparison is rooted in the sin of coveting, or jealousy. So let’s get rid of the places and habits that tempt us to envy others. We can confess our comparisons to God and maybe a trusted friend. Don’t “play nice” here — actively find ways to stop looking at what others have as a measure of what you don’t have.

3. Remember God’s faithfulness. Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness to us makes us more hopeful that He’s working in our lives now and will continue to work in the future. The Bible constantly charges us to remember who God is and what He’s done (Psalm 77:11; Psalm 78:35; etc.).

You are not behind. You are here, right where God has you. He’s not forgotten you. He has a good plan and a good purpose for where you are right now.

God, You were faithful to me yesterday, and You'll be faithful today and forever. I confess I don’t always live like Psalm 16:6 is true. Thank You for showing me the pleasant places where You’ve put me. Thank You that in Christ, I have the most delightful inheritance of eternal life. Please show me what I can be grateful for, and help me get rid of comparison in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Guess what? You don't have to exhaust yourself by trying to keep up with everyone else to enjoy what’s right in front of you. If you’re ready to release the internal shame and external pressure of “where you should be” — while still being honest with God (and yourself) — check out Meghan Ryan Asbury’s book, You Are Not Behind: Building a Life You Love Without Having Everything You Want. Learn to grieve the hard, celebrate the good, and embrace the in-between of where you are and where you want to be. Click here to order your copy today!

ENGAGE

For daily biblical encouragement and practical ways to grow in your faith, connect with Meghan on Instagram @meghanryanasbury.

Don’t miss opportunities to get free resources and more tools to help you build a life you love through her weekly newsletter at alwaysmeghan.com.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (NIV).

Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (NIV).

What makes you feel like you are behind in life? Which of the three suggestions for pursuing contentment are you going to try today? Share with us in the comments!

© 2025 by Meghan Ryan Asbury. All rights reserved.