Looking Back To Move Forward

Everyday, the world news is bleak: cyclones and deadly storms, continued disaster in Syria, Ukraine and Russia still at odds, coastal killings in Kenya, a mass family murder in Texas, Israel and Hamas firing missiles at each other — the list could go on and on.  Sometimes it seems the whole earth is spinning out of control.  Wars and rumors of wars widen.  Weather disasters are more frequent.  Brother against brother is nothing unusual.  Political lying, cheating, and backbiting is the norm in any country.  Inflation and unemployment rises daily on every continent.  Hardworking people are sleeping in cars with their families, unable to make financial ends meet.  What in the world is going on?  Is there any hope?  Can any encouragement be found?

First, we must not be surprised by the world’s events.  When countries and individuals choose to make their own way, ignoring God’s plans and directions, then disaster is sure to follow.  The Bible is a historical record of this fact.  When we step off of God’s road, and onto a road of our own making, be assured that the way forward is perilous.

But what about those who are looking to God?  They, too, suffer the consequences of the world’s calamity.  Is there any hope and joy for them?  Yes, indeed.  David reminds us that in the midst of all darkness, God is there to shine His light into hearts that yearn for Him.  He gives faith to the weak of heart.  He gives strength to those who feel they can’t go on.  He gives courage when fear would like to overcome.  He gives peace in the midst of any of life’s storms.

God has never failed anyone in the past.  Therefore, there is no reason to feel He is going to fail anyone today or tomorrow.  Don’t forget, there is a great weapon available to every Christian who feels themselves being pulled down into the mire of this world’s disturbances.  It’s called: praising.  When we praise God for all He has done for us yesterday, it builds our faith to trust Him for all that will happen today.  It gives us peace for the unchartered paths of tomorrow.  As David said in Psalm 103:2, “Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forger the good things He has done for me.”

God never changes.  Therefore, it stands to reason that, if God has been your light in the midst of life’s storms yesterday, He will remain your beacon of  safety in dangerous waters today.  He will never fail you.  It’s impossible.  At the core of anything that concerns us, God is there, whispering to us His words of love and comfort; equipping us with everything we need to face anything today puts in our path.

Therefore, why wouldn’t we want to praise Him today for all He has done yesterday, and for all He will most certainly do today?  Remember, He never stops guiding, filling with peace, and kissing our griefs with His tenderness and care.

“Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”  Psalm 103:1