Get the appPromises in the PsalmsSample
Promises: Looking Back to Look Ahead
If you want to look ahead, you must look back. I am not talking about living in the past. That’s foolish and fruitless. I am talking about learning from the past in order to embrace the future with confidence. How has God met your needs? How has God worked in the past? How has God delivered when you were up against a wall? In the first part of today’s passage, Asaph recorded his desperate pleas in the night. He was alone and afraid. He felt God had forgotten him. Then he collected his thoughts and focused on God’s past work.
Psalm 77:10-15 (NIV)
Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
In remembering the deeds that God had done, Asaph’s questions turn into statements. God is holy, and his ways are perfect. There is no god as great as our God. He displays his great power when he performs miracles. With his mighty arm, he delivered his people.
So, if you want to move ahead, turn around and look back. Think about how much God loves you—so much that he sent Jesus to die for your sins. Reflect on how he has transformed you. You are not who you used to be. Consider how he turned your hopelessness into perfect peace and freed you from all that held you down. Contemplate his forgiveness…time and time again. Now with the wind of the past at your back, embrace the journey ahead.
Father, thank you for giving me evidence that you are at work in my life. Thank you for working in my past (review what God has done in your life to this point). I know, Lord, that you never change. I look forward to seeing how you will work in my present. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
