Always Look Back

Yesterday was Remembrance Day, when Australians recall the end of World War 1 on November 11th 1918. I think there's power in remembrance and I believe that it's a habit that God wants us to exercise.

In 2 Samuel 7:8-9 we read of God's conversation to David, through the prophet Nathan:

'Thus says the Lord of hosts: "I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel. And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have destroyed all your enemies from before you, and have made you a great name, like the name of the great men who are on the earth."

Some people say 'never look back!' - I disagree.

1. Looking Back Reminds Me From Where I've Come (resulting in Gratitude)

"I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel."

Unless I deliberately look back into my past I can forget the incredible grace that God has shown me in my life. If I fail to look back I can fall into the trap of believing that 'God has done nothing remarkable in my life', when in fact he has taken me from following sheep to leading His people.

2. Looking Back Reminds Me to Appreciate Today's Opportunities (resulting in Perspective)

At times David may have 'wanted out' from the pressures of Kingship, however when he looked back and saw what he was doing compared to the opportunities before him now, there was no comparison.

Similarly, people can become tired, familiar and unappreciative of their job, partner, home or church until they learn to remember from where they've come. In David's life, remembering the paddock gave him a fresh perspective of the palace.

3. Looking Back Reminds Me of God's Continual Presence (resulting in Confidence)

"And I have been with you wherever you have gone..."

Sometimes it is only the power of hindsight which causes us to recognise God's presence with us through all seasons of life. When I look back I realise that his promise to never leave or forsake me has been true in my life.

Looking back allows me to approach today with renewed confidence in God's continual presence, causing me to join with Newton in saying: "T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far, and Grace will lead us home."

4. Looking Back Reminds Me of Victories (resulting in Faith)

"...and have destroyed all your enemies from before you..."

There are no victories in my future that I can draw confidence from, only challenge and opportunity exist there. The past is the only place I can look to if I want to find victories to instill faith in my life. To not look back is to rob myself of one of the greatest resources of faith available to me!

David already understood this truth when he approached Goliath. He mustered faith to defeat the giant ahead of him only by looking to the string of dead carcasses behind him.

Whatever you do - look back!