As another year comes to an end, it is easy to look to the future unwilling to think of what we've been through in the last twelve months. Many anticipate that a new year will bring better things and by God's grace, that will indeed be the case, IJMN, Amen. Yet, there are times we cannot step into the new without taking stock of where we've come from. Although Lot's wife was warned not to look back, there is a certain way the Lord calls each of us to consider our past.
Specifically, the Lord has instructed us to reminisce on what He's done for us.
It can be difficult to look at the past because of the dissatisfactory memories it may contain. Nevertheless, the instruction to 'look back' doesn't need to be painful when one's gaze is focused on God. In fact, He commands His people to do just that in Micah 6:5 - My people, remember what Balak king of Moab plotted and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD.”
Let's take a closer look at today's foundational scripture by understanding the history it contains. Balak called on Balaam, a sorcerer, to conjure and pronounce curses on the Israelites. Instead, Balaam had an interesting conversation with his donkey and blessed God's children three times (Numbers 22). God did this to prove that He would not allow His people to be harassed because they had powerful protection. Indeed, He didn't allow anyone to oppress them and rebuked kings for their sake (1 Chronicles 16:21).
The mention of Shittim and Gilgal refers to the last place the Israelites camped in the wilderness before crossing River Jordan while it was at high tide (Joshua 2 & 3). Once they entered the Promised Land, Gilgal became their base (Joshua 4:17). From there, they went from eating manna to consuming fruit and crops they never toiled to plant but still benefited from because their mighty God said so (Joshua 24:13).
Do you see? Both historical references in today's scripture point to the miraculous things God did for His people. Incredible works that they needed to remember and reconnect with so as not to ignore their Maker, the source of everything they had and needed.
We too are being called to do the exact same thing. To look back at what God's done and remember that He who did it for us then will do it for us today and tomorrow. For if we forget, we become prey to the lies of the enemy, we fall from the grace He has for us and struggle where He never intended us to stumble. He wants us to remember the wonders He's brought to pass for us and others so we don't forget Him because He's never forgotten us. For it is when we turn our gaze to Him and the mighty things He's done that we stand in God's goodness, righteousness and mercy.
What has God brought you through this year or in the past? What challenge did you desperately need to lean on Him for? What dangerous situation did you manage to escape while others weren't so blessed? Today, we will acknowledge the Lord for what He's miraculously done in our lives and the lives of those we care for. Glorify Him for what He's done, what He's doing and what He will do, for He alone deserves it.
God bless you and see you later at P&P (for others).
To read more:
Trust God - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) June 30, 2020
Rely on God, Not Man - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) July 21, 2020
Rely on God - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) March 9, 2021
Faith vs Trust - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) September 10, 2021
Listen, Obey, Trust - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) August 12, 2022
Focus on God's Works - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) September 6 2022
My people, remember what Balak king of Moab plotted and what Balaam son of Beor answered. -- Micah 6:5
Precious Father; He who holds power over all things; Mighty Redeemer; I come before You to ask that the same power You displayed over Balaam and Balak would be activated for all Your children as they go throughout life. Stunning miracles, oh Lord, please perform them. Since You are God and You never change. Please do it again oh Lord, twist the tongues of our enemies so they only can say what benefits Your will and pleases You. IJMN amen.
Dependable God, reliable God, ever faithful Father; I thank You and I come before You on behalf of Your children.
He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” 1 Chronicles 16:21-22 NIV
My Father, You who formed the eyes can surely see all things. Remember Your children God as they go throughout the world (place of work, school, the street, anywhere), and please defend them from all who want to make trouble with them. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Praises (seeing God's goodness in my past) - God, You gave me the confidence to negotiate for a higher pay that normal for my position - God, during a period when I was stressed, You turned things around in a couple of months, and I forgot the pain of the past - God, You gave me certain skills when I was little and have upscaled them now that I am older - God You truly give us "double for our shame" so thank You for keeping to Your word. Thank You God! If You could be so good to me in the past, I know You'll continue to be good to me in my present and in my future. Also thank You God for the unexpected provision this week. Thank You also for surpassing my expectations concerning the compensation for a project I worked on. I wasn't expecting the payment until late January 2023 but it's coming in a couple days.
Wow! Amen. This will be a good exercise, to look back, but this time focusing on God. Thank You God!