What do you remember about last year? In hindsight, was it a good year? What can we learn from the Bible about remembering the past and having courage for the future?
The Word Hindsight
I do not enjoy New Year’s Eve. Staying up late is not my thing, and on the night of the 31st I fell asleep sometime before 10 o’clock. My husband tried to wake me up just before midnight to join in on the festivities, but it was pointless.
I do, however, enjoy taking some time at the end of the year to evaluate how I am doing mentally, physically, and spiritually. As a follower of Christ, I believe it is especially important to have a plan for intentional growth in the Spirit. I enjoy reading everything my friends have to say about the past year on Facebook. One of these days I will figure out how to make one of those picture collages. I’ve seen lots of encouraging tributes to the best of 2019, and it makes me want to be more intentional about being adventurous and making lasting memories in the coming months. Many people like to choose a specific word or phrase to bring focus and perspective in the New Year. I’ve adopted the word “hindsight” for myself.
I chose hindsight because I always like a good play on words. They say hindsight is 20/20, speaking of having a clear vision of the past. That’s because it has already happened, right? Bear with me as I tweak that phrase a bit: hindsight is 2020. You see, my faith is very fickle. I tend to focus too much on my current circumstances, and it takes me far too long to remind myself that faith is required to have courage to move past them. I want to decrease that time frame. I plan to focus on remembering what God has done, even if I have to fill my calendar and phone messages with “hindsight”, or write it on my hand every once in a while. I’m praying it will prompt courage and clear vision for whatever I face in the coming year.
God’s Faithfulness to David
David’s life was the same. I wonder what word he wrote on the back of his hand. In 1 Chronicles 16:12, David was singing. He had just defeated the Philistines and brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem where it belonged. “Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered.” He was rejoicing and worshiping as he remembered. The victories in David’s life and in our own are partnered with difficulties. Remember, David fled from Saul for years! If he had chosen to only think on his negative circumstances he never would have been able to press on to the victory.
God’s faithfulness inspires courage. Our circumstances will not always be good in our eyes, but we know his heart of grace and mercy for us will always be the same. And we know even more than David as we look back on Christ’s victory over death and sin.
“Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered.” 1 Chronicles 16:12 ESV
