God's Presence In Our Present
. . . Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain . . .
Genesis 19:17
I was visiting my grandparents on their farm, before going to serve the Lord in the (NGK) Reformed Church in South Africa for one year. If only I could stay here, I thought. How I would miss living near my grand-parents; And life here in Europe.
Glancing back at the familiar beauty, I suddenly sensed God say: “Stop looking back and concentrate on where you are going.” The message struck me deeply, reminding me of Lot’s wife. Convicted of my disgruntlement, I turned in the Bible to her story.
Married to Abraham’s nephew, Lot’s wife lived in Sodom, which was doomed for destruction because of the people’s wickedness (Genesis 19:13). But God assured her family that He’d save them. He asked only that they flee without looking back (v 17), as any distraction could end in catastrophe. And sadly, it did. Despite God’s warnings, she looked back while her family raced ahead, and “she became a pillar of salt” (v 26).
Comparing my life with the past had robbed me of God’s peace in my present. Perhaps you relate to those yearnings, such as for past homes, health, careers or responsibilities. But as we respond to God’s gentle warnings not to look back, we are protected, spiritually speaking, from becoming like pillars of salt. As we focus on His presence today, His love, guidance and purpose will restore peace to our soul.
Bible Reading
Genesis 19:12–26.
Prayer
Father, thank You for promising to be with me in every changing season of life. I thank You for the good gifts of the past, but I ask You to open my heart to Your purposes for me now. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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