God's Presence in Our Present

The stunning clifftop scenery tugged at my heart. I was visiting Guernsey, my island home before God called my husband to serve His church in England. If only we had stayed, I thought. How I miss living near Mum. And my job had such potential.

Glancing back at the familiar beauty I suddenly sensed God say: “Stop looking back and concentrate on where you’re going.” The message struck me deeply, reminding me of Lot’s wife. Convicted of my disgruntlement I turned to her story.

Married to Abraham’s nephew, Lot’s wife lived in Sodom, which was doomed for destruction because of the people’s wickedness (Genesis 19:13). But God assured her family that He’d save them. He asked only that they flee without looking back (v. 17), as any distraction could end in catastrophe. And sadly, it did. Despite God’s warnings, she looked back while her family raced ahead, and “she became a pillar of salt” (v. 26).

Comparing my life with the past had robbed me of God’s peace in my present. Perhaps you relate to those yearnings, such as for past homes, health, careers or responsibilities. But as we respond to God’s gentle warnings not to look back, we’re protected, spiritually speaking, from becoming like pillars of salt. As we focus on His presence today, His love, guidance and purpose will restore peace to our soul. Guest Author - Daily Bread