This time of year, I feel all sorts of behind.

Right now, so many things are on my to-do list for today and all those New Year’s resolutions I’ve yet to start. (Why do I act like they all had 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 really as good as I hoped. Then 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 I start to feel those doubts and lies from the enemy enter my mind, I remember Psalm 16:6:

“The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!”

If we believe God’s Word is true and He has put us right here, right now, on purpose, then we can rest in the fact we are not behind.

His plans for us here are pleasant and delightful.

We don’t have to resign ourselves to the belief we are stuck or white-knuckle our way through life trying to get ahead.

We can enjoy what’s right in front of us and trust God is leading us where He wants us to go.

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

1. Become grateful: Gratitude immediately helps me feel more at ease with where I am right now. It’s simple—just write down the first three things you can think of and thank God for each of them. It doesn’t have to be “big” stuff, but once I write it down, I’m already more hopeful about what is ahead.

2. Quit comparison: Comparison is rooted in coveting, which is a sin. Run from the places where you’re tempted to experience this. Confess it to God and/or a trusted friend—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 how God has been faithful to you in the past helps make you more hopeful He is working in your life now and will continue to in the future. The Bible constantly charges us to “remember” who God is and what He has done.

As you go into the rest of this year, remember—you are not behind. You are HERE. Right where God has you. He has not forgotten you. He has a good plan and good purpose for where you are right now.

God, help me live like I believe Psalm 16:6 is true. Show me the pleasant places where you have put me. Remind me that in Christ, I have the most delightful inheritance of eternal life. Show me what I can be grateful for. Help me get rid of all comparison in my life. And help me remember how faithful You are to me—yesterday, today, and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*For deeper reflection, listen to Psalm 16 today!