Pillar of Salt

But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt. – Genesis 19:26

photo credit: Damien Cox via photopin cc

photo credit: Damien Cox via photopin cc

Yes, we are called to be the salt of the earth, but I really don’t think that was the type of salt God has in mind. And yet it’s what I’m most guilty of being.

I’m the “once was” queen. I’m the “look back” leader. I’m the “if only” gal, and my if-only’s always revolve around reclaiming the past.

I don’t mean to do it. It’s not a conscious choice. That makes it sadder, don’t you think? This unconscious longing for the way things used to be. Back when I was healthy. Back when I had energy. When I could drive and run and was busy as a bee. Those were the days, right?

But this thing that has happened to me, it’s only as tragic as I allow it to be. That’s the truth. And the looking back is inviting nothing promising or hopeful or right into my spirit.

There is still so much God wants to give me. So much He can do for me. So much me is still here. And I’m missing it all.

Today is the day I will remind myself once again that my eyes should be pointed in the same direction my feet are headed. And I’ll remind myself as many times as it takes in the weeks and months to come.

So be truly glad.There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. – 1 Peter 1:6-7

See that? See where that joy is? It’s not behind. It’s ahead.

He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. – Hebrews 11:26-27

There it is again. And the HOW is there, too. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. – Philippians 3:13-14

Pressing on, not pressing back. Focus. On ahead.

Won’t you join me?

Dear Lord, help me to keep my eyes pointed in the right direction. I know that my feet and heart will follow that focus, and I want it to be You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…


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May God Bless You,

Shelly

10 Comments on “Pillar of Salt

  1. Shelly this post is 100% truth. Looking back, wanting what was or could have been, is more crippling to our spirit and damaging to our soul life than any thing imaginable. You nailed it. You are right…it might not be mastered yet, but girl you are an amazing blast of encouragement!! I love coming to your site. You don’t hold back…just putting it out there…simple truth with meaty depth. So real! So real!
    Cathy recently posted…7 Stress Busters!My Profile

    • Aw, Cathy, your comments always make me feel like I’ve been hugged BIG! Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

  2. Thank you so much for sharing this important reminder. I have never really thought of the story of Lot’s wife in that way before.

    Your post reminded me of this verse.

    Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,
    Philippians 3:13

    • That is a beautiful verse, Jolene, and so fitting for this devo! Thank you for commenting and sharing here. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

  3. Remember that when you’re driving, your hands turn the wheel in the direction that you’re looking, even if you don’t mean to go that way. Life is the same. Focus on where you’re going, not on where you’ve been or even on what everyone else is doing.
    Kirra recently posted…Laughter is worthwhile (A-Z Blogging Challenge)My Profile

    • So true, Kirra! I love that analogy! Thanks for sharing here. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

  4. Oh Shelly! God has gifted you with such wisdom! This is yet another great post that spoke right to my heart! I’m that same “Queen of”…girl. I look back on the times when things were different than they are now…times when my kids were little, times when we lived in the country, times when I hadn’t suffered. But, this is such an encouragement! I shouldn’t keep looking back because all that does is turn me into a pillar of salt – a frozen statue of myself that is stuck in things that are behind me. I need to keep looking ahead to the wonderful future God has promised for me. I know that all things happen for a purpose and I’m trusting God for His plan! You are an inspiration, Shelly (and I’m not just saying that because I like you! LOL) Thank you for this encouraging word today!

    Love you, sweet friend, Joan
    Joan recently posted…I Am ChosenMy Profile

    • Joan, I’m blushing over here! It’s all God and not me, not one bit, trust me. Left to my own devices, I’d be that pillar each and every day. Thank God He surrounds me with people like you, who keep me going. I’m so glad you were encouraged. Love you so much! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

  5. Hey Shelly- I totally hear you~!

    When life is H.A.R.D. I try to remind myself that Jesus, for the JOY set before Him, ENDURED [the cross, no less].

    and life is HARD for you, dear one, it is.

    I think you are a truly modern-day David. You encourage yourself and all of us daily in the Lord-in the WORD- and you don’t let defeat win the day.

    I love this verse: 2 Chron 16:9 says…the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

    Shelly- your lovely heart is SO LOYAL TO HIM- so I am standing on this for YOU.

    Love you,

    • Mary, you are such a dear, sweet friend to me! Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

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