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 2017 with
utmost confidence.
“God’s guidance in the past gives courage for the future”. (RBC)
