Weekend Words

 From Be Still and Know - Millie Stamm

I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob (Exodus 3:6)

This year is drawing to a close.  Soon we will begin a new year, one filled with new opportunities, new situations, new joys, new experiences of living.

With the uncertainty of these days, not knowing what the future holds, it is reassuring to know that the God of this past year will become our God of the new year.

In the above scripture verse we note three aspects of God that will encourage us as we look into the new year.  God said to Moses, "I am the God of they father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob."  He is the GOD of the PAST.  As he had been with Abraham, Issac and Jacob in the past, He promised to be with Moses.

As we look back in the past year, we recognize He has been our God of the past, meeting every need, even at times when we may not have understood how He was working.  "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us" (1 Samuel 7:12).

He said to Moses, "I AM come down to deliver them" (Exodus 3:8).  The God of the past is the GOD of the PRESENT.  He who had worked for us in the past will work for us in the new year.  He promises, "I will be your God for the year before you."  He is ready to come down and deliver us in the midst of each need next year.  The psalmist said, "For thou art great, and DOEST (present tense, today) wondrous things: thou art God alone" (Psalm 86:10).

In Exodus 3:10 God said to Moses, "Come now therefore, and I will send thee."  He is the GOD of the FUTURE.  He invites us to come to Him in the future, so He can continue to send us out to do His will and walk in the paths He has prepared for us, not only today, but in the days ahead.

He is the God of your past; the God of your future; the God of your present: the God of your today.

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This devotional book was first published in 1978 and talks about "the uncertainty of these days, not knowing what the future holds", thoughts that I'm sure are still with us in these current days also.  But, remember Jesus words... 

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Be still, my soul, the Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God to order and provide
In every change He faithful will remain
Be still, my soul, Thy best, thy heavenly friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end

Be still, my soul, thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake
All now mysterious shall be bright at last... 

- Katharina Von Schlegel