I've always thought that you can see the hand of God best in the rear view 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? As you move into the 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 not 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 nd help in mind, you can move ahead into 2011 with utmost confidence.
Joe Stowell
Our Daily Bread
God's guidance in the past gives courage for the future.
Praise the LORD.
I will extol the LORD with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
Great are the works of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established for ever and ever,
enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.
Psalm 111
Blessings,
Kymber
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? As you move into the 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 not 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 nd help in mind, you can move ahead into 2011 with utmost confidence.
Joe Stowell
Our Daily Bread
God's guidance in the past gives courage for the future.
Praise the LORD.
I will extol the LORD with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
Great are the works of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established for ever and ever,
enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.
Psalm 111
Blessings,
Kymber
11 comments:
Wonderful Devotion !
Happy New Year !
Blessings,
~Myrna
A wonderful post, Kymber! If I can see how He worked in the past, why do I ever doubt that He will provide in the future? Thanks and Bless you.
This is a beautiful, reflective devotion. Thank you for posting your thoughts.
Wish you the best in your studies.
good thoughts...I'm learning...He always comes through...but when He knows the time is right not always when I want it.
Wishing you His best for the new year...
A lovely post. Have a blessed New Year.
Excellent points! Very thought-provoking for this week's Spiritual Sunday. Loved the encouraging Bible verses he included in the devotional as well. Have a blessed week. :)
We need to remember that God is the ultimate director in all things. I know you will follow as he directs you in your classes. We are all pulling for you, but you don't need us, you only need God. With him beside you and directing your life, you cannot fail.
I love this post, Kymber. The picture of the rear-view mirror is perfect for the post. It is so true. I can look back and see how things in my life have worked out for my good when I didn't see it at the time. What a blessing that we can trust Him for the future. Thank you for sharing.
Have a wonderful New Year.
Charlotte
Amen, his faithfulness endures forever.
What a great reminder!!! He is truly in control. Happy New Year.
Kymber, this is beautiful. Hope you have a blessed New Year.
XO,
Sheila :-)
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