This day with God will be amazing because as we read Deuteronomy 8, we are reminded about what He has done in the past and look forward to what He will do in the future. He took negative situations and turned them into something positive. Out of intense difficulties, He makes simplicities emerge.

Israel went through difficult days as they wandered for forty years in the wilderness. God humbled them to know what was in their heart but He was teaching them that He would provide if they remained obedient. He provided manna for their physical needs but taught them that they did not live on bread alone but also on food for the soul.

Many times, it’s harder to maintain our relationship with the Lord in a time of prosperity rather than in a time of hardship. During prosperity, we feel we can stop depending on God and rely on ourselves. That is why we need to remember that God is responsible for all our blessings. We need to be reminded of what God has brought us through and give praise for all He does.

He kept Israel looking forward with hope. He promised that Canaan would be good land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills (v. 7). The land would be fertile to grow wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey. The land would have natural resources with rocks like iron and they would be able to dig copper out of the hills.

The lesson for us is to use the memories of the past to give a lift and maintain hope for the promises of the future. To stay humble and continue to give God the credit for what we do have. The photo below is from the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo taken years ago.

After riding the rides, we went to a Joe Nichols concert and it was great weather. One of the hit songs by Joe Nichols is “Sunny and 75”. The memories we make give us a lift, the weather can give us a lift, and the ultimate lift is knowing that the future is bright because of the reward God has for all that believe in His Son.

This day, we remember the ways God has helped us through tough times. We work for You Lord today with a smile and trust You for the future. You give us the ultimate lift today as we have hope and dream about Your future promises knowing that You are near as we journey ahead in faith, power, and confidence. Amen.