Tuesday, January 3, 2023
For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12
Looking Back and Moving Forward…
Life is a series of looking back while moving forward. Every milestone we pass we automatically reflect, whether we share it or not. And our failures, mistakes, and less than great moments are usually the first thing staring at us, blocking out the successes and blessings. The past on our heels can make the future seem daunting.
It’s always comforting to see someone holding out their hand to help you stay steady. It’s more comforting to feel an arm wrapped around yours for even more support. An arm wrapped in support and a firm hand on your arm or in your hand gives courage and strength. It says I’m not alone. It says someone cares enough about me to steady me. To give me support and courage and strength to move forward. To say "Come on, I've got you. You are secure. You are safe. You are okay."
Sometimes our past completely tramples us to get to our future before we even get there. But Jesus wins. He has been in our past and future before we even took our first breath. He is in all our tomorrows - He goes before me in every circumstance. When I focus in that, what comfort it brings! When I don’t, I’m terrified to take the first step. Knowing doesn’t automatically make it easier - it takes incredible faith to step into the unknown. We still have to take that step, but imagine Jesus standing there, holding out His hand to steady you as you step forward.
I don’t know where you are this New Years, but I know you and I have the strongest arms and the steadiest hand leading us into whatever lies ahead. I hope we all take hold of the courage and strength He gives to follow Him into His plan for this year and every year forever more.
LC-
