The Rearview Mirror

Chris giving that "look" again

 I know we've all heard it said that you can't get very far if you keep looking in the rearview mirror. I get that. But that doesn't mean there is absolutely no benefit to looking back or being aware of what's behind you. If you are actively driving, you use your mirrors to stay aware of what might be coming up, right? Of course, we don't stare into the mirror as we navigate forward. But in life, the rearview mirror can really be helpful.

As caregivers, our memories can help us or haunt us, depending on our unique specifics and situations. We may think back to when our loved ones were whole and seemed like an entirely different person. Sometimes, I miss my life back then and the freedoms I had, but didn't even realize. 

But memories can be a good thing, too. Lately, I've been able to enjoy some of the memories I made with my kids long before Chris' wreck. I'm glad I have them to go back to. In faith, a rearview mirror can be a powerful tool that helps propel us into better futures. What do I mean?

In Psalm 118:14, the psalmist recites Exodus 15:2. He sings out, The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation! That is what the Israelites sang after they watched God close up the Red Sea, which He had just parted, and wash away the army that had been chasing them. T

I don't know who this psalmist is, but it seems they were really enjoying this moment of victory! Yesterday, we talked about how they had felt surrounded, pressed, and distressed. And then God brought victory! Now they are rejoicing with a burst of praise because God has been their help! (v. 13)

We can use the images in our rearview mirrors (memories) to encourage ourselves today. He's brought us through before - and He'll bring us through again! When we look back, we can see His light even in our darkest seasons. We can see His hand at work, even though we couldn't sense Him moving at the time. As we consider where we've been, we can look hopefully toward where we are going. Why? Because that same mighty hand is still working on our behalf! The same mighty God is with us, guiding us, and giving us grace enough for the day. He has the same plans for the journey ahead that He's had in the past - stay with us, strengthen us, be gracious to us, and keep our souls safely hidden in His heart.

Today, I will take some time to look back at the times I thought I was done, but God somehow pulled me through. I'll encourage myself with the victories of the past as I continue to hold on to the hand that is holding me! I can trust Him for one more day - will you join me?




Cover of the devotional Command Your Morning


Check out my latest release. Command Your Morning is a 31-day devotional that is focused on taking charge of your soul and day in the morning and trusting God that the rest of the day will follow suit! You can get the eBook from my shop at Buy Me A Coffee. Or the print and Kindle versions are now available in my Amazon Shop.


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