Our culture is filled with ideas about how to succeed in life. We set goals, make plans, seek inspiration, and practice visualization—all in an effort to convince ourselves that we can make an uncertain future certain. Yet, deep down, we know that the future is anything but fixed. In living this way, are we, like Adam and Eve, trying to define the good life for ourselves? Are we striving to become like gods, apart from our Creator?
As I’ve pondered this dilemma, I came across an insightful Hebrew word study on the term acharith, which can mean the last, the end, the back, or the future. What struck me most was the analogy used by the author to describe how the ancients understood this word pictorially. They envisioned it as a man rowing a boat with his back toward the bow (front) of the boat. Although his body moves forward, his face is turned backward, looking at where he’s been.
If we meditate on this image, its wisdom becomes clear. No one can truly see the future, but everyone can clearly see their past. If I’m rowing and I align myself with markers—my wake, the coastline, buoys, etc.—then I can be confident I’m moving in a straight path. Isn’t this what we are encouraged to do when we read the Scriptures?
Time and again, God’s Word calls us to “remember.” The Psalmist, in his emotional distress and feelings of abandonment, found comfort in remembering.
Psalm 77:10-12
Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
Moses also reminded the Israelites to “not forget” the Lord’s faithfulness in delivering them and bringing them into abundance.
Deuteronomy 6:10-12
When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give you, a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then, when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
While it’s impossible to remember everything God has done for us, at the very least, let’s not forget His goodness toward us.
This same message carries through to the ministry of Jesus and the apostles:
- Matthew 28:20 … “Remember, I am with you always…”
- John 15:20 … “Remember the word that I spoke to you…”
- 1 Corinthians 11:2 … “I praise you because you remember the poor…”
- Ephesians 2:11 … “Remember that at one time you were separate from God…”
Perhaps we should set aside our planners for a moment and reflect on the many ways God and our Lord Jesus have been there for us in the past. Like the man in the boat, though his back faces the bow, he can still navigate by observing where he has been. Isn’t this the simple message Jesus conveyed when He said:
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
We can adopt this carefree attitude toward the future because God is faithful, and Jesus will never leave us.
In closing, let’s remember that Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” A significant part of knowing Jesus is looking back at what He has already done. He has been faithful, kind, compassionate, giving, and encouraging—among many other attributes, too numerous to count. And I’m not just referring to his earthly ministry; he has been all these things to you and me as well. We need only remember what he has already done in our lives. He has always been there for us, in every situation, at any time.
Uncertainty, confusion, doubt, and fear are no match for the assurance of his presence. Jesus isn’t distant from our circumstances. He is right there with us, “in the boat,” encouraging us to sail into the future, confident that He will continue to be the same wonderful Savior and friend he has always been.
Remembering My Days with Jesus,
