Grace to you, friends.

For a change of pace in my devotional time today, I spent some time in Psalms 105-106. These psalms are largely reflections on Israel’s past and how God faithfully worked to demonstrate His character and bless the nation of Israel, all for the purpose of worship. Psalm 105 begins, “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts….Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.”

As I read through these lengthy psalms, it struck me how little time I spend reflecting on my past, and ways that I have seen God work over the years. Maybe it’s because I’m turning 40 and getting nostalgic, but I think there is much we have to learn from reviewing what has happened before us.

In Romans 15:4 we read, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” We derive hope for tomorrow by seeing how God has worked in our yesterdays. We know He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebr. 13:8), so just has He has been faithful to His promises and steadfast love in the past, we can expect this in the future.

By way of application, I would encourage you to fight against the current of being consumed with the “here and now.” As you deal with issues today, reflect on what past generations have experienced and learned. Consider how God has worked in your life and the lives of others, and as a result receive strength for today and hope for tomorrow. 

Let us praise God for His faithfulness, for the biblical record of His activity, and for the opportunity to proclaim to future generations of all His wonderful acts.

God’s grace to us all as we continue serving our King.
Pressing on,
Eric