By Joe Stowell
Read: Psalm 111
For You, Lord, have made me glad . . . ; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. —Psalm 92:4
Bible in a year:
Malachi 1-4; Revelation 22
I’ve always thought that you can see the hand of God best in the rearview mirror. Looking back, it’s easier to understand why He placed us in the home that He did; why He brought certain people and circumstances into and out of our lives; why He permitted difficulties and pain; why He took us to different places and put us in various jobs and careers.
In my own life, I get a lot of clarity (though not perfect clarity—that’s heaven’s joy!) about the wise and loving ways of God as I reflect on the ways He has managed my journey by “the works of [His] hands” (Ps. 92:4). With the psalmist, it makes me glad and strikes a note of joy in my heart to see how often God has assisted, directed, and managed the outcomes so faithfully (Ps. 111).
Looking ahead, though, is not always so clear. Have you ever had that lost feeling when the road ahead seems twisted, foggy, and scary? Before you move into next year, stop and look in the rearview mirror of the year gone by, and joyfully realize that God meant it when He said, “‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear’ ” (Heb. 13:5-6).
With the promise of God’s presence and help in mind, you can move ahead into 2011 with utmost confidence.
Shall not He who led me safely
Through the footsteps of this day
Lead with equal understanding
All along my future way? —Adams
God’s guidance in the past gives courage for the future.
Read: Psalm 111
For You, Lord, have made me glad . . . ; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. —Psalm 92:4
Bible in a year:
Malachi 1-4; Revelation 22
I’ve always thought that you can see the hand of God best in the rearview mirror. Looking back, it’s easier to understand why He placed us in the home that He did; why He brought certain people and circumstances into and out of our lives; why He permitted difficulties and pain; why He took us to different places and put us in various jobs and careers.
In my own life, I get a lot of clarity (though not perfect clarity—that’s heaven’s joy!) about the wise and loving ways of God as I reflect on the ways He has managed my journey by “the works of [His] hands” (Ps. 92:4). With the psalmist, it makes me glad and strikes a note of joy in my heart to see how often God has assisted, directed, and managed the outcomes so faithfully (Ps. 111).
Looking ahead, though, is not always so clear. Have you ever had that lost feeling when the road ahead seems twisted, foggy, and scary? Before you move into next year, stop and look in the rearview mirror of the year gone by, and joyfully realize that God meant it when He said, “‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear’ ” (Heb. 13:5-6).
With the promise of God’s presence and help in mind, you can move ahead into 2011 with utmost confidence.
Shall not He who led me safely
Through the footsteps of this day
Lead with equal understanding
All along my future way? —Adams
God’s guidance in the past gives courage for the future.
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