All-grateful for the Past, Appreciate the Present, Anticipate the Future

I was just sitting and enjoying the gas heater blowing on me, during this cold January morning in northern Idaho. It reminded me of my childhood winters in Missouri and our old oil heater that would keep me warm. In fact, I would leave my bed in those days to sit by a wall vent with my little robe over me as a tent. I also look forward to staying warm in future cold situations. Why? Because God takes care of me.

Isaiah 45:8:
Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

God inspired Isaiah to use a natural process we can all understand. It rains; the soil opens to receive it and little sprouts appear; a full crop grows to maturity. How does nature work so well? Because “I the LORD have created it.” Genesis 1 describes God creating every plant “yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself.” He designed life to bless His people. Our loving Father is our true sufficiency (II Corinthians 3:5).

I am all-grateful for the past: those wonderful and challenging times in my own life. I remember so many days with Sherry where we saw God come through for us with health, spiritual insight, and physical needs being met. “Grateful” comes from the Latin meaning “full of God’s grace.” One thing I am most grateful for, is how the Father lets us know what we need to understand in life.

Hebrews 1:1:
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.

God spoke in past time by His prophets. They heralded the coming of God’s Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That is the greatest news of all. As Isaiah 45 promised, God “rained” down righteousness in Christ and brought forth salvation for all who believe, so that righteous living can spring up together in our lives.

I also appreciate the present. The word “appreciate” also comes from Latin and means to hold toward oneself with a high price or value. I am learning not to dwell too much on the past or try to think too much about the future. I want to live each moment in full realization of what my Father is doing for me through Jesus Christ. My Lord died for my sins and delivered me from the Devil’s evil attacks today. When I claim my rights in Christ, I am doing the will of God, my Father.

Galatians 1:4:
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.

And I anticipate the future. The word “anticipate” comes from Latin, meaning to take beforehand. Each day we can keep the return of Jesus Christ “before” us, knowing we will be raised with a new body and enjoy eternity with our heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and those saved. We don’t depend on the fleeting uncertainty of worldly wealth or power, but trust in the Living God Who gives us what we need to enjoy. As we live for Him and serve our Lord Jesus Christ, we will have great reward in the future.

I Timothy 6:17-19 [ESV]:
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on [the Living] God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Get all you can from today as you fellowship with the Father, His Son, and those you love. Don’t forget all God has done for you before. And look forward to our joyous eternity together in Christ. Let’s be all-grateful for the past, appreciate the present, and anticipate the future. God is always our sufficiency!