Reflections

Reflecting may imply many different activities. We may think of looking in a mirror, peering into water or thinking of past times. How would you describe your reflection? Our opinion of our physical appearance or our mental image of our self is tied closely to what we are inside. When we are not pleased with our reflection we may try all manner of products to make the physical appearance look better. Of course, there is a certain amount of "fixing" that we can do on the surface. However, the improvement of our reflection must begin within. What we are inside not only affects our view of our self but also of the challenges we face daily.

Whenever God was about to lead his people into a new situation He used his past goodness and faithfulness to build anticipation of further blessing and success. When Israel came to the edge of the promised land Joshua rehearsed all that God had done for them to bring them to that point. Then he challenged them to go forward. When God spoke to Israel through Isaiah He first rehearsed all the excellent things He had done and then said, "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Even thought the future may have looked dim the reflection on God's relationship with them in the past spurred Israel on to even greater things.

When we look in the mirror on the wall or face challenging situations our perception will be affected by our internal relationship with God. Arthur Pink says, "Holiness is the antithesis of sin, and the beauty of holiness is in direct contrast from the ugliness of sin." When we can reflect on a holy life in Christ then we can face ugliness and difficulty in our circumstances and even physical plainness with a victorious stance. In the difficult times of my life over the past 50 years it has been my relationship with Christ that has provided the strength and motivation to move ahead.

Margaret Barber said, "To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward." If you have no walk with God to look back upon to bring energy for facing today's circumstances, then now is the time to establish one. As your life becomes filled with instances of God's presence and care you will be equipped with reflections that will empower you to trust in Him each day.