Unshakeable Devotionalsਨਮੂਨਾ

JOY IN LOOKING BACK

“Then the people answered, ‘Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods! It was the Lord our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. And the Lord drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the Lord, because he is our God.’” Joshua 24:16–18. (NIV)

Looking forward toward our eternal future gives us hope, while looking back gives us perspective that frames our present reality.

In Joshua 24, as Joshua calls the Israelites to renew their covenant, he reflects on God’s faithfulness through their struggles—leaving Egypt, wandering in the wilderness, and battling for the Promised Land. Despite the challenges, he sees God’s hand in every step.

What might have felt like loss or hardship in the moment now revealed a tapestry of God’s provision, protection, and power. The victories, the miracles, and even the challenges all served to remind the people of God’s unwavering presence and unshakeable future.

When we look back on our own lives, we can find the same joy. Perhaps a season of difficulty taught us dependence on God. Maybe what we thought was a setback led to a greater blessing. Like Joshua, we gain clarity when we reflect on where we’ve been. Every sacrifice, every step of obedience, and every trial finds meaning in the light of God’s faithfulness.

Looking back isn’t about longing for the past—it’s about celebrating what God has done and letting that perspective shape our present and future. The God who brought us this far will continue to lead us forward.

CHALLENGE:

Recall a moment of God’s faithfulness and let it fill your heart with gratitude. Reflect on how His hand guided you and let that memory inspire your present joy. Share the story with someone close to you, spreading the hope it brings.

PRAYER THOUGHT:

Sit with that memory. Reflect on the highs and lows, the struggles and the joy that followed. Remember how God’s hope and faithfulness carried you through.