Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Trusting the God of All Time
Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest for December 31 is a fitting reflection for the end of the year. It addresses the God of our yesterdays, today, and tomorrow, offering a timely reminder that our security lies not in our own efforts, but in the faithful care of the Lord. Chambers challenges us to confront the irreparable nature of our past, the uncertainties of the future, and the opportunities of today—all under the loving gaze of God.
The God of Yesterday: Transforming Regret
Chambers reminds us that anxiety often stems from the memory of past sins, mistakes, and missed opportunities. How often do we let the weight of yesterday’s failures cloud our joy in God’s grace today? Yet, God is the God of our yesterdays. He redeems the past, not by erasing it, but by using it to shape us for the future. As Chambers writes, “God allows the memory of [our past] in order to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual culture for the future.”
Biblical Example: Consider Peter, who denied Christ three times. Peter’s failure was devastating, but Jesus redeemed it, transforming Peter into the rock upon which the church was built (John 21:15-19). God does the same for us when we place our past in His hands.
The God of Tomorrow: Securing Our Future
As we look to the future, uncertainty can breed fear. What if we fail again? What if we are not strong enough for what lies ahead? Chambers offers reassurance: “The Lord will go before you” (Isaiah 52:12). God guards our future, ensuring that even where we’ve failed before, His strength will sustain us.
We are not alone in facing the unknown. God’s promise to Israel—“I will go before you and make the crooked places straight” (Isaiah 45:2)—is also His promise to us. He prepares the way, removing obstacles we could not overcome on our own.
The God of Today: Walking with Purpose
Finally, Chambers invites us to approach today with patient power, knowing that God is with us. “For ye shall not go out with haste,” Isaiah 52:12 reminds us. Hasty decisions and impulsive thoughts can lead to regret, but resting in God’s presence allows us to live with intentionality and grace.
Chambers emphasizes leaving the past to sleep “on the bosom of Christ.” This beautiful image reminds us to entrust what cannot be changed to the One who works all things for our good. By doing so, we are freed to step boldly into today and tomorrow with the confidence that God is at work.
Practical Applications
Surrender the Past: Take time to reflect on past mistakes, then release them to God. Trust Him to transform what was broken into something redemptive.
Anticipate the Future with Faith: Instead of worrying about what lies ahead, remind yourself that God goes before you, preparing the way.
Live Purposefully Today: Start each day by acknowledging God’s presence. Invite Him to guide your actions and thoughts as you walk with Him.
A Prayer of Trust
Lord, You are the God of my yesterdays, my today, and my tomorrow. Thank You for redeeming my past, securing my future, and walking with me each day. May I live with the confidence that You are always working for my good and for Your glory. I entrust what I cannot change to Your perfect care and step forward into Your irresistible future. Amen.
A Final Thought
As we close the chapter on another year, let us embrace the timeless truth that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our past, present, and future are safe in His hands. Leave your regrets behind, trust Him for tomorrow, and walk boldly into the new year with the assurance that His faithfulness never fails.