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Before You Go Ahead, Turn Around and See

July 8, 2019 by Tracey 8 Comments

Photographs.

Having just finished our oldest daughter’s senior year of high school, we’ve taken lots of them over the past year. From the last first day of school in August to the reception after graduation in May, the past year is well documented on my cell phone!

We typically take pictures because we want to remember something about that moment in time. It could be the people that were there, the place where we were, what we were doing right then, or a combination of all three.

Pictures are a brief glance at that particular moment in life. And by the way, few people know what’s going on behind the smiles. Maybe it was a wonderful, memory-filled vacation…or maybe it was the one minute of the whole trip when the kids weren’t bickering back and forth!

Hopefully, we all have some spiritual memories as well, times in our lives we can look back on and say, “Thank God for how He worked in that situation.” Or “I wasn’t sure how that need was going to be met, but God was faithful.”

How often in the Old Testament we see God commanding His people to remember what He has done for them in the past. Not only was He to receive glory for His mighty acts, but it was also to encourage them for the future.

The Israelites getting ready to fight against the Canaanites and take over the Promised Land needed to remember how God had mightily redeemed them out of Egypt. That reminder of God’s power and faithfulness was to encourage them in their current struggle.

In Psalm 105, King David reminds His readers of God’s covenant with the Israelites. He takes us all the way back to Abraham, through Jacob and Joseph, and describes His deliverance of His people from Egypt.

In verse 105, we read, “Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth…”

Whatever trial you or I are in today, recalling God’s hand at work in our past will give us the faith to go on. How helpful and encouraging it can be to mindfully pause in our day with the purpose of recalling God’s faithfulness. Psalm 77:12 says, “I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.”

These thoughts were actually inspired by the song Turn Around and See written by Heather Sorenson. Here are the words to the first verse and chorus.

You followed God’s hand, but you’re not where you had planned.
You stumbled in the place you were sure that you could stand.
So you press toward the goal, giving God control,
but the path is all uphill, and it seems you’re standing still.

But turn around and see!
Look what God has done:
Redeeming ev’ry scar to the image of His Son.
The battles you have fought are the vict’ries He has bought.
Though there’re many miles to go, and the journey seems so slow,
don’t lose faith down here below.
Just turn around and see.

You can listen to the song here.

We don’t want to dwell in the past. But looking back and recalling God’s faithfulness can give us the courage we need to live today.

Related posts:

  • How’s Your Memory? 4 Benefits of Recalling God’s Work in Your Life
  • When You’re in the Pit, Look Forward to Your New Song
  • Beware! Potential Danger Ahead if You Forget

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Filed Under: Worship

Comments

  1. Sharon Rideaux says

    July 8, 2019 at 8:35 am

    I really can relate to this right now in my journey with Christ.

    Reply
    • Tracey says

      July 8, 2019 at 8:46 am

      Trusting you’ll be encouraged by remembering God’s faithfulness in the past! Thanks for taking the time to comment. Have a good day!

      Reply
  2. Nikki says

    July 8, 2019 at 4:46 pm

    I get caught up too often in looking toward the future, forgetting how faithful God has been in the past. Thank you for the reminder to turn around and look!

    Reply
    • Tracey says

      July 9, 2019 at 2:54 pm

      I need the reminder often!

      (Miss reading about what’s going on with you and your family on your blog. Hope you’re all doing well!!)

      Reply
  3. Connie Ditsele says

    July 8, 2019 at 10:02 pm

    This is so encouraging. I will always redlect on what God has done for me even in difficult times

    Reply
    • Tracey says

      July 9, 2019 at 7:06 am

      Thankful that you found encouragement! I know I can get caught up in whatever trial I’m facing and “forget to remember” how God has provided and guided in the past. Have a wonderful day!

      Reply
  4. Sues says

    July 9, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    Photography is my love language. I don’t know if it’s b/c my dad was a professional photographer, or what, but a photo is ALWAYS my greatest gift & souvenir from ANYTHING!!! Photos serve as my Ebenezers, remembering what God has done for us. I’ve documented every step of building the house, knowing that it’s God’s will and His plan, whatever happens with it…

    Reply
    • Tracey says

      July 10, 2019 at 6:48 am

      Love your reference to photos serving as your Ebenezers! I’d never thought of pictures in that way, but I can totally see how they would be.

      Reply

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Welcome! I'm Tracey, wife and mom to two teenage girls. I seek to help Christian moms raise children who know, love, and serve God by sharing Biblical wisdom, helpful tips, and practical advice. Read More…

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