Living in the Past or Looking to the Future

Psalm 77

I believe many in the Church today have the mentality of Asaph; they remember a time in the past when God was active in their lives.  Like Asaph they wanted to go back to that time,  Asaph’s thoughts were on a time of the parting of the Red Sea and the chosen people of God walking through it on dry ground.  Do you recall the army of Egypt having the water cover them?  Are you still living on what God has done in the past?

If so, let us be reminded of what God has said; “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  (Jeremiah 29:11)  I will ask you the same question my mentor Ken Ryan asked me often; Bob, do you believe that Scripture and my reply was I’m sure much like you do, yes, and Ken would say if you did you would obey it.  Are you looking for the plan God has for you, if not, why?  Could it be your so involved in the way you want things, you cannot move into the future.

If you are looking for God in the past, He is up to something new in your life, and He is always in the present.  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present^[b help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”

If you get this takeaway from Psalm 77, you have won a major victory in your spiritual life; read once more Psalm 77 verses 12-13.  “I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.  Your way, O God, is holy.  What god is great like our God?”

From the Back Porch, 

Bob Rice