Well, the first full week of the new year is coming to a close, and the past year is fading from memory. But before it becomes ancient history, it may be good to take some time to…look back.
The phrase “look back” can certainly have a negative connotation in the scriptures. Some had been warned, “don’t look back” as they tended to long for their past life of sin at the expense of advancing toward favor with God. In that sense, one should not look back.
However, the bible does suggest that “looking back” can be a sign of wisdom and a thankful heart.
An example of this is the prophet Samuel who served as a leader of God’s people. After years of warring with the Philistines, and suffering agonizing defeats and hardships, the children of Israel handily defeated them. Now, much of their trouble against the Philistines had been the result of their own sin. But, once they repented and turned to God, their victory was secured, and they enjoyed a long period of peace.
The text then states in 1 Samuel 7:12 that after the overwhelming victory,
Samuel took a stone and set it upright between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, explaining, “The Lord has helped us to this point.”
Ebenezer simply means, “Stone of Help”
The road to Ebenezer had been grueling. Yet Samuel took the time to look backward at how they had gotten there, and he gave God credit for providing them with their needs to get them to this point.
As we reflect over our past year, we will see heartaches, difficulties and frustrations, but we should also see joy, blessings, and God’s provisions. So before the past year becomes a distant memory… go ahead look back. You should see God.
