So Much to Look Forward To

PROVERBS 4:18

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

Listen carefully to these words of wisdom from Proverbs because there is so much hope for you within these truths! Dear believer, your best life is not behind you; your best life is not right now; your best is yet to come. The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn. As first light shakes off the darkness, it carries with it the promises of an even brighter hour. Dawn is the beginning of a new day, the first appearance of light touching the sky before the sun fully rises, warming the earth.

Your path, your way, your life on this side of eternity is like that light of dawn. Fear not when you consider your future—you have so much to look forward to! Scripture says, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6) and “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above” (Dan. 12:3).

So do not look upon your past as though your best moments are in the rearview mirror. The author of Ecclesiastes wrote, “Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask this” (Eccl. 7:10). Instead, thank God for the grace you have experienced in the days of old, but thank Him most of all that those past mercies are only a glimmer of the good He has in store for you. Say with the psalmist, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Ps. 23:6).

In the same way, do not look at your present as the pinnacle of your days of glory. Now we see as in a mirror dimly, but then we shall see face to face. Now we know in part; then we shall know fully, even as we have been fully known (see 1 Cor. 13:12). Rejoice in this, that your future is incredibly bright. Let the knowledge of God’s pending glory fill you with gratefulness for every past mercy and every present grace. Today is but the light of dawn! A bright future is coming for all those in Christ, “and night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever” (Rev. 22:5). It is settled, believer, your best is yet to come!

Reflect

What emotions typically surface in your heart when you think of your past, present, and future?

Let’s Pray

Lord, it is so tempting to view the past with rose-colored glasses, as if all my glory days have passed by. It’s also so easy to see the challenges of the present and to consider the future with fear. Please give me Your perspective. Help me grasp the hope of future grace and to view the days to come with faith-filled eyes. I believe; help my unbelief. In Jesus’ name, amen.