Past Present Future
If you were to pick a time in history to study, which would you pick? Why would that time period be of interest to you? You can also be honest if you want to say, “I don’t like to study history!”
There are many things that are special about the Psalms in the Old Testament. One of those special things is how they encourage us to look backward (past) and forward (future) to help us have confidence today (present).
Here are some examples:
There are many things that are special about the Psalms in the Old Testament. One of those special things is how they encourage us to look backward (past) and forward (future) to help us have confidence today (present).
Here are some examples:
- Psalm 69 begins with: “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the depths, where there is now foothold.”
- And ends with: “Let the heavens and earth praise Him, the seas and all that move in them.”
- Psalm 70 begins with: “Hasten, O God, to save me; Oh Lord, come quickly to help me!”
- And ends with: “You are my help and deliverer; O Lord, do not delay.”
- Psalm 64 starts with: “Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.”
- And ends with: “All the people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what He has done.”
Often in the Old Testament we are called upon to remember something of our past. Why do you think this is? Can you think of a negative situation from the past that ended positively?
Remembering God’s work from the past can positively affect your attitude today. How so? We have a good example of this in the New Testament book of Hebrews. In Hebrews 10:32 we read, “Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering.” Later in verse 36 we read, “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will.”
Remembering God’s work from the past can positively affect your attitude today. How so? We have a good example of this in the New Testament book of Hebrews. In Hebrews 10:32 we read, “Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering.” Later in verse 36 we read, “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will.”
Has there been a time in your life when you have been tempted to give into something you knew was wrong, not healthy, or contrary to God’s word, but seemed appealing or easier at the time? We are here encouraged to trust in God’s power and promise in these challenging times. God’s Word promises “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him (I Corinthians 2:9).”
4832 Ponderings:
4832 Ponderings:
- As you consider the passage from Hebrews earlier, can you think of a “then and now” time in your life that makes you grateful, more at ease, etc.?
- What do Jesus followers look forward to in the future, regardless if the road is tough or easy?
Closing Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, our souls; our inmost beings, praise Your holy name. We praise You, Oh Lord. Help us not forget Your many benefits – You forgive all our sins, You redeem us in tough times and fill us with Your love and compassion! You bless us with things to eat, see, smell, savor, touch, and share; things to make us laugh and people to dry our tears; things to sing about and things to quietly ponder. Our hearts are filled with thanksgiving and praise. In the name of our exalted and caring Jesus, Amen!
First portion adapted from Psalm 103:1-5
First portion adapted from Psalm 103:1-5
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