Five-minute read.
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14b
Wonderful works.
Looking back over life and remembering what God did helps you know His beautiful works. Often, during circumstances, we may not understand the Lord’s actions. But hindsight gives us a 20/20 vision, and we see our Savior’s hand at work.
In my twenties, when I recklessly overindulged in the partying lifestyle, God protected me from myself. During my thirties, as I wrestled with the consequences of my choices in the previous decade, my Healer led me on a path of restoration.
“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,” Joel 2:25
One day, in my Bible reading, I came across this verse from Joel that instantly spoke to my heart, bringing it hope amid desolation. As the days progressed, I began to cling to God’s promise to the Israelites if they repented and turned back to Him. Turning my heart back to my Savior, I repented my poor choices and the harm I did to myself. I began to pray, “God, protect me from myself,” as I sought His guidance. Years passed as my heart healed, and I became whole again, healthy, and ready to receive the Lord’s blessings.
And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’… so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” Joshua 4:20-21, 24
When God led the Israelites across the Jordan River, he parted the waters for them to cross, then commanded Joshua to place 12 stones from the riverbed on the shore as a reminder of the Lord’s mighty work. We should do the same in our lives, noting when God did something for us, big or small, showing the wonderful works of our Lord.
Using my calendar, I set “markers” of the Lord’s work in my life. On Oct. 21, 2010, I met my husband on the tennis courts at Back Creek Park. On Sept. 26, 2011, we first kissed on the bench at Hilton Tennis Club. On Aug. 10, 2012, we became man and wife; on Jan. 31, 2013, we closed on our house and began creating our home. Each day has a place in my calendar, reminding me year after year of God’s mighty works. The Lord healed my heart, made me whole again, and redeemed the years the locusts stole. Setting reminders helps me say, without a doubt, God’s works are wonderful, and I know that full well.
David, the Psalmist, remembered the victories he experienced with the Lord. The shepherd boy defeated Goliath with a slingshot. Battle after battle, the warrior won because of God’s presence in his life. David conquered Jerusalem, defeated the Philistines so they never threatened the Israelites again, and became King of many small kingdoms bordering Israel. All with the help of the Lord. Undoubtedly, David knew the wonder of God’s works in his life.
Don’t doubt God’s handiwork in your life; look back over the years and remind yourself of what the Lord did for you. Trust, He will do it again, in His way and time.
Application:
God does wonderful works.
The Lord never rests; always up to something. Reminding myself of God’s past works helps me trust His plan. While driving to Florida on vacation with our RV, a metal blade fell from a truck in front of us. Ron’s keen awareness allowed him to steer the big rig smoothly and slightly right, allowing the debris to miss me by inches. Whenever I think of that traumatic moment, I praise the Lord and thank Him for His protection. God reminded me in that moment of life’s fragility and sovereignty over it.
God’s always working.
Journaling Questions:
- What markers do you have in your life reminding you of God’s good works?
- How can you set markers to remind you of God’s intervention?
- List three things you want God to do for you.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive us for forgetting what you did for us in the past. Help us remember Your mighty works, building our faith. Give us confident hearts in Your wonderful works as we think of Your movement. Let us take bold steps of faith as Your plan unfolds in our lives, experiencing Your beautiful works to come. IJNIP. Amen
