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 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 2016 with utmost confidence.
“God’s guidance in the past gives courage for the future”. (RBC)
