April 28, 2004
Reading
“Display your power,
O God, as you have in the past” (28) New Living
Translation
The other day I heard a preacher say, “Jesus is not in your past, Jesus is in your future.” In all fairness to him, I did not hear the entire context of his statement—he might have been warning of the pitfalls of living in the past and failing to look with the eye of faith for the future.
Psalm 68 was written by a man who could see “wild animals lurking in the reeds,” and a “herd of bulls among the weaker calves” (30). God had worked wonders on behalf of His people—to individuals He was a Father to the fatherless and a defender of widows and He sets the prisoners free (5-6). As a nation He delivered His special people from slavery and Sinai trembled when He gave them His laws (7-8). Marvelous things had been accomplished by Jehovah on behalf of His people.
Now, in the midst of
The events of the past can be a great source of strength and encouragement for those who love God. Most of us can look back over a short period of time and remember the wonderful things God has done for us. In this each one of us are individuals, in other words, our experiences with God are personal, not generic. Some of us can remember when God saved us or restored Him to Himself after years of backsliding. We may remember occasions when God has revealed Himself to us in very special and unique ways. Some have been healed from terminal illnesses, and all of us can remember many small miracles God performs for us on a constant basis.
Yes, Jesus was in our past, is in our present, and will be in our future. Whether we are troubled by catastrophic problems or troublesome circumstances, the remembrance of God’s faithfulness should be a constant fountain of refreshment and replenishment of our faith.
On a different occasion David writes, “I think how much you have helped me. I sing for joy in the shadow of your protecting wings” Psalm 63:7. I think about the times when God has intervened on my behalf, when pending defeats turned into victory, when death became life, and when shattered dreams became opportunities to know and serve God. He was faithful then, He will be faithful now. Remember—nothing takes God by surprise. He is the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last, and everything in-between
God will fulfill His sovereign purpose for me, He will never fail—it is impossible for Him to do so. He will preserve and protect His own (Psalm 121:7-8). If we had God’s eyesight, no frown of anxiety would crease our brow.
Heavenly Father, help me to walk with you in the full assurance that “your right hand holds me securely” Psalm 63:8.