LOOK BACK AND REMEMBER:A Reflection on God’s Redeeming Grace
Psalm 103:4 says, ‘[He] redeems your life from destruction…’ (NKJV). This powerful verse calls us to reflect on how God’s hand has been present in our lives, often in ways we only understand fully in hindsight. Dr. Ann Shorb reminds us that the true strength of looking back lies not in counting specific blessings, but in knowing that God remembers His promises and His plan. Even when life is difficult or chaotic, He remains steadfast, guiding us through every season.
The story of the almond tree in Jeremiah 1:11-12 illustrates God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His Word. When God shows Jeremiah a blossoming almond branch, He is reminding him that He is constantly watching over His promises to bring them to pass. In the same way, the natural seasons remind us that difficult times, like the barrenness of winter, will eventually give way to new growth and renewal. This promise of springtime symbolizes the hope that no matter how challenging our current season may be, God’s faithfulness will bring us through it into a season of restoration.
Moreover, God’s protection and care over our lives are far-reaching. While our earthly investments come with risks, God’s commitment to us is unwavering. He has “invested” too much in us—through His love, purpose, and plans—to let those investments be lost. When we look back, we often recognize situations where God’s guidance was protecting us, even when we didn’t realize it. There were times when doors were closed that we might have wanted open; now, in retrospect, we can see that God was shielding us from harm, preserving us from situations that could have been destructive.
So, “Look back and remember” isn’t simply an exercise in nostalgia; it’s a faith-strengthening practice. It’s a reminder that God has been faithful before, and He will be faithful again. Every closed door, every redirected path, and every preserved opportunity is evidence of His redeeming love and His unwavering commitment to bring His promises to pass in our lives. By remembering His past works, we find renewed trust for today and hope for the future, knowing that He will continue to watch over us, redeeming our lives from destruction.