Looking Back-Thanking God, Looking forward-Trusting God by Nonie Sables

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23

Life is a journey marked by seasons of joy, challenge, and growth. As we travel this road, we often find ourselves looking back at where we have been and looking forward to where we are going. This dual perspective—one of gratitude for the past and trust for the future—is a cornerstone of our faith journey.

Looking Back and Thanking God

One of the greatest practices we can cultivate as believers is the habit of remembering. In the Old Testament, God frequently instructed His people to build altars or memorials to commemorate His faithfulness. For example, after God parted the Jordan River, Joshua instructed the Israelites to set up twelve stones as a reminder of God’s miraculous provision (Joshua 4:1-7). These stones served as a testimony not only to the current generation but also to future ones.

As you look back on your life, what “stones” of remembrance do you see? Perhaps it’s a season when God provided for your needs in ways you never imagined. Maybe it’s a moment of healing—physical, emotional, or spiritual—when God’s power was undeniable. Or it could be a time of waiting, where the Lord sustained you through His Word and the encouragement of others.

When we reflect on the past with a heart of gratitude, it changes our perspective. The apostle Paul reminds us to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have received. It reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17).

Take a moment to write down specific instances of God’s faithfulness in your life. Speak them aloud in prayer or share them with a friend or family member. As you recount these blessings, your heart will be strengthened, and your faith will be renewed.

Looking Forward and Trusting God

While gratitude roots us in God’s past faithfulness, trust propels us into the future with hope. Trusting God means believing that the same God who has been faithful in the past will continue to be faithful in the days ahead. This trust is not blind optimism but a deep conviction anchored in God’s character.

Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Trusting God often requires surrendering our desire for control and embracing His sovereignty. It’s a daily decision to place our confidence not in circumstances, abilities, or resources, but in the unchanging nature of our Creator.

The future can feel uncertain, and it’s natural to wrestle with fear or doubt. However, Scripture is filled with promises that speak to God’s provision, guidance, and presence. Isaiah 41:10 reassures us: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

As you look ahead, choose to trust God by committing your plans to Him. Pray over your goals, dreams, and even your worries. Ask the Lord to align your desires with His will and to give you peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). Trust grows as we take one step of obedience at a time, knowing that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).

The Intersection of Gratitude and Trust

Looking back with gratitude and looking forward with trust are not separate practices but deeply interconnected. When we remember God’s past faithfulness, it strengthens our confidence in His future promises. Similarly, as we step forward in trust, we create new opportunities to experience God’s goodness, which will fuel future gratitude.

Consider the example of David. As a young shepherd facing Goliath, David’s trust in God was rooted in his remembrance of past deliverance. “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine,” he declared (1 Samuel 17:37). David’s gratitude for God’s past provision gave him the courage to trust Him for future victory.

Practical Steps to Live This Out

1. Create a Gratitude Journal: Regularly write down ways God has been faithful in your life. Include answered prayers, unexpected blessings, and moments of spiritual growth.
2. Memorize Key Promises: Commit Scriptures to memory that remind you of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. Verses like Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11, and Hebrews 13:8 can serve as anchors in times of uncertainty.
3. Share Your Testimony: Share with others how God has worked in your life. Your story can encourage someone else and deepen your own appreciation for God’s goodness.
4. Pray Boldly: Ask God for the courage to trust Him with your future. Bring your fears, plans, and dreams to Him, and listen for His guidance.
5. Celebrate God’s Goodness: Set aside specific times to celebrate God’s faithfulness, whether through worship, a special meal, or gathering with fellow believers.

As you journey through life, keep looking back and thanking God, and looking forward and trusting Him. This rhythm of gratitude and trust will not only deepen your relationship with God but also empower you to face each day with faith and hope. 

A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL!