How to Look Back
“Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered.”
(Psalm 105:5)
We were created to look back.
This may sound contradictory to what many of us have been taught. However, let’s take a closer look at what the Word says.
There are many times throughout the Bible that the people of God were called to remember the goodness of God, whether that be through celebrations that marked an important part of their history (Leviticus 23) or reflecting on the life stories of different people like Abraham or Moses (Psalm 105:9-11;26).
These all point to the simple truth: God gave us history as a gift to learn from. Most notably, to look back on who He truly is.
We are told not to live in the past or constantly look back to feed resentment, shame, or discontentment. This is a misuse of history, whether it is our own personal story or the events that have shaped mankind.
Looking back on the fulfillment of God’s promises nourishes the soul.
It soothes the words of sorrow we have heard throughout the day. It is a healing balm for the fear that plagues the human heart and so desperately tries to steal our joy.
It relieves the cracks of our imperfections.
As a simple illustration, many of us can relate to the relief of drinking water when we are parched. Or even the relief of applying hydration to our hands that have been exposed to the cold wind and are in desperate need of nourishment.
Sometimes, the soul gets weary, and one of the remedies for this is to reflect on the past with gratitude and awe.
Likewise, we can also encourage other people with this truth.
The Bible says:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
A kind word to a soul that has been hurt or a kind gesture for the one who has endured hardship.
When a friend is troubled by a series of events or questioning the future, we can uplift their soul with the reminder that we serve a God who stays the same throughout every season of life.
May we look at history as a reminder of who our God is. The love He has shown us, and how He continues to guide us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
God bless!
