LOOKING BACKWARD

And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.  (Deuteronomy 8:2 NKJV)

The keynote of this chapter is "Remember!" Faith begins without certain evidence of an external and positive kind, but as life advances, one day after another adds the weight of its indisputable testimony. If we step out on the supposition that there is an eternal and spiritual world enwrapping us on all sides, we shall come to so clear and distinct an assurance of it, that it would be easier to doubt our existence. It is a good thing to look back and see the way; it is as certain as possible that the thread of divine purpose is stringing together the many colored links of our life.

Notice the alliteration of Deuteronomy 8:15, Deuteronomy 8:16. "Who led thee"; "Who fed thee." Where God leads, He feeds! Look back on the past, and see that just as sure as the guidance of God, has been His care. There is no lack to those who allow Him to lead them in His own paths.

Look back on the past! Its sins and backslidings, leave them behind for ever, and rise to newness of life. Its discipline intended to chasten and strengthen us. Its trials meant to reveal God's power to deliver in the hour of trouble that we may glorify Him. The terrible wilderness of loneliness, the fiery serpents of temptation, the manna which has never failed to fall, the water which the Rock has ever yielded. Deuteronomy 8:17-18 teachs us the lesson of humility. If, for some reason, you have been put into a position of wealth, honor, or influence, do not be proud, or think that your talents or abilities are to receive the praise. Thank God, and remember that it is He who gives the power to get wealth or honor, and He does it with a very definite purpose! Will you not pledge yourself to serve and worship Him? As you climb the crest of the hill, and begin to descend into the plain, not knowing what lies before, veiled in the mist, fear not, tighten your belt, put your hand in His, and walk with Him to be His instrument to bless the world of men.

PRAYER

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet; Lest we forget, lest we forget! I pray it in Jesus' name, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #259:
You will find safety in My everlasting arms.

Deuteronomy 33:27 (WEB)
The eternal God is your dwelling place. Underneath are the everlasting arms.
He thrust out the enemy from before you, and said, ‘Destroy!’