YESTERDAY

Jesus Christ is the same YESTERDAY, and today, and forever – Hebrews 13:8

What attitude does God want us to have concerning YESTERDAY? We must learn to put yesterday behind us and start anew: “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert” (Isa.43:18-19). Some people live almost permanently in their yesterday, either wallowing in the quagmire of regrets or building monuments to their memories. They find it hard to divorce from yesterday, embrace today, and transit triumphantly into tomorrow. Why do such people prefer to remain in yesterday?

Ordinarily, we live in a society that prizes change; a world that is enamored with the idea that newer and different is better, whether in the world of fashion or technological gadgets. Most people are so discontented with the ordinariness of their lives that one of the quickest ways to kill an idea is to describe it as “so yesterday”! Obviously, some changes are positive and some are negative. However, abrupt change or change for the wrong reasons provokes the desire for the higher ground of stability. When people are forced by circumstances to ride the rolling waves of change, they tend to seek for emotional and spiritual equilibrium. David said, “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psa.61:2). There is a fundamental human need for a sense of permanence in a world of uncertainty and restlessness; solid ground when we can’t touch bottom; and stillness in place of agitation.

All of these can be found in one Man: JESUS. He is the Reason for this Season. “He Himself is our peace” (Eph.2:14). He is the One who never changes. In the midst of oscillating between the thoughts of yesterday and the longing for change, we can rest in the One who never changes: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb.13:8, NIV). This verse is an encouragement to celebrate each day by persisting and staying the course because Jesus ever lives, and is ever the same, merciful, powerful, and all-sufficient. The One who knows us best and loves us most is ever-present to provide everything we need to continue on until He changes our circumstances positively. He holds your time and your life in His hands. He is the unshakeable foundation beneath your feet when everything in your world totters (Psa.40:2).

How comforting to know that our lives are encompassed by the eternally present Christ – our Alpha and Omega; Beginning and End. Who He is and what He says stand constant, incontrovertible, forever! Long after you and I are considered history and “so yesterday,” Jesus will still be. Have you been wounded in your yesterday and anger has become your defense mechanism? Never let toxic anger, bitterness or memories of regrets rob you of living and loving fully. Do not allow small things of yesterday become big matters that threaten your well-being and relationships. Hold up your wounds of yesterday to the Healer. Allow Christ to heal those wounds. Do not be ashamed of the scars of old conflicts and hurts, because a scar by its very definition implies healing. And Jesus can do better than that; He can turn scars into stars, if you believe!

Learn to leave room for God. What might look hopeless to you is hardly a challenge for the Lord. The worst situation in your life can be straightened out by your loving and compassionate Father. He’ll refresh you with His living waters. Stop worrying about the past; stop brooding over yesterday, simply learn from it. Jesus Christ gives you a new start; a fresh beginning; a thrilling tomorrow: “old things have passed away; behold all things have become new” (2Cor.5:17-18a). Christ stands in your yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He sees all. And He knows the perfect way to prepare and uphold your heart for every situation! Begin to see your yesterdays as His preparations to embrace a wonderful today and enjoy a triumphant tomorrow.