Reflect on God’s Care in the Past to Have Hope for Today

I did not grow up in a wealthy family. I remember how hard both of my parents worked to feed and clothe our family of six. My dad held down a full-time job while my mom stayed at home to care for us. There was no extra money, and more often than not, there was not enough money.

Yet, I never remember a time when I went to bed hungry. I always had clothes to wear, many outfits handmade by my mom. We did not have to sleep outside, for a roof always kept us safe and dry. Well, there was that one time my sister and I slept in a horse trailer while we waited for our mobile home to be moved — but we had a roof over our heads!

In spite of our lack of physical resources, we had God. God cared for us and provided everything we needed to survive.

If we were poor in material possessions, we were rich in the Lord. Church attendance, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Bible study taught us about the Shepherd who cared and provided for us. God was there every single day. There was not one day when He was not with us.

Reflecting back to remember God’s providence and faithfulness to me in the past helps me face the needs I have today. I know that I can pray and ask God for help because I have seen what God has done and can do. He will answer and provide. Because of what God has already done, I have hope that He will continue to care for my needs. He is Yahweh Rohi, the God who cares for us. He is our Shepherd.

Friends, in times of need, spend some time looking back. Let’s take note of when God, Yahweh Rohi, cared for us and give thanks to Him. As we remind ourselves of His care, we can pray and confidently rest in His care for our daily needs.

Pray:

Yahweh Rohi, we thank You for being our Shepherd, the one who always cares for us. Call to mind the times You provided for our needs so we might give thanks for Your faithful care. As we lead the youngest of Your sheep, help us to fully rely on You and give praise and thanksgiving so that others might see our hope in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.