I recently read an article where someone posted this question: Where will you be 5 years from now? I nearly choked on my own saliva.

This is a question I frequently asked when I had my own practice. I’d never needed to answer it myself. Now that I find myself in my clients’ shoes, I discover it’s not so easy to answer this question.

My emotional state
The answer to this question depends heavily on your emotional state when you consider your answers. Let me illustrate.

Unlike my clients, who I once guided to envision their futures, I now face a reality that feels impossible to plan. Nonetheless, let me try to answer this question from my current perspective.

My current reality 

At my age, I would like to be alive five years from now. If I succeed in this basic endeavor, I hope I’ll no longer feel like a beggar. However, I don’t know how to navigate my way out of this predicament. I’m working full-time. I had hoped to be a retiree by now, but circumstances have forced me into working at my age. My husband’s ill health drains our finances. As we can’t afford medical insurance, I don’t see our situation changing at all, let alone within five years. This question feels like a cruel taunt when every day is a fight to survive. In 5 years, I will be exactly where I am now, unless my health deteriorates and I am no longer able to work. In this case, I presume we will be living on the street. It’s not a picture that I enjoy seeing. Therefore, I prefer not to think where I will be 5 years from now.

It sounds harsh, I know. These are facts I am confronted with daily. Additional stress, such as a visit to the dentist for the third time this month, costing us money we don’t have, and facing a prospect of going without food for a month, leaves me feeling hopeless and despondent.

I lack the strength and energy to think creatively or to search for solutions. I do my utmost to face and survive one day at a time. This question assumes everyone has the luxury of dreaming, but for me, it’s a reminder of how little control I have. I don’t have the luxury of dreaming unrealistic dreams. I’m not holding my breath for any miracles. If I survive one day to the next, I’ve accomplished a major victory. It’s easy to give up, and I’m very close to doing it. But knowing my husband needs me keeps me going. As long as I can drag one foot in front of the other, I will continue doing so. There’s no zest or vigor in my steps, if I can call it steps. It feels as if I have lead weights under my feet. They feel heavy and hard to move. I stagger. I don’t walk. Neuropathy due to Type 2 diabetes only adds to my problems. Yep, life doesn’t put a spring in my step.

Changing my perspective 

Right now, I can’t bear to imagine where I’ll be in five years. I don’t know, and I don’t want to know. But then, I am reminded to fix my eyes on things above. Yes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when I consider things here on earth. I can’t wish away our daily struggles. I can’t wish away my problems, but I can change my focus.

I have this promise in Isaiah 40:31: 
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. 
I know that when I feel weary, I’ve taken my eyes off God. My circumstances will change, but God won’t. He is my anchor in life’s storms.

When I change my perspective and when I move my camera angle away from my circumstances to focus on God, I have a different answer to this question of where I will be 5 years from now. I will be exactly where I am now: In Him, as He is in me.

Colossians 1:27 says: For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. 
Christ lives in me. I face life, not in my own strength, but in His. I have hope, not in my circumstances, but in Him. He carries my burdens. When I am yoked with Him, He does the heavy lifting, and I simply walk with Him. 
Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. (Matthew 11:29-30)

Yes, life is hard most of the time. I’m not pretending it’s easy. In the midst of my challenges, I can attest to God’s faithfulness. He has never failed me.

A lesson I have learned
If there’s a lesson I have learned, it’s not to make important decisions when you feel emotionally exhausted, hopeless, down, or depressed. Turn to God, let Him renew your strength, rekindle your hope, and then you will trust in His promise for a great future, regardless of your current circumstances. 
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) 

The question

If I cast this question out into the void, will anyone answer? What about you? Where will you be 5 years from now? Is it an easy question to answer?