Looking Forward With Confidence

By Dianna Bahula, Toronto, Canada

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

David’s confidence inspires me. “Surely” can be defined as “in a sure or certain manner, certainly, infallibly, undoubtedly, assuredly.” David knew that his confidence came not from his achievements, successes, fame, title or wealth, but from his deep conviction in the goodness and unfailing love of God.

Some Bible scholars believe that David wrote this psalm during the later years of his kingship, based on his personal experiences with God. As he looked back on his life, he reflected on how God had protected him from his many enemies and had shown him great mercy in his struggle with sin.

I, too, am in the later years of life. I can choose to look back with regret at my past failings, weaknesses and sin, or, like David, meditate on the goodness of God, remembering how He has protected me, provided for me and shown me great mercy. I am reminded of God’s protection many years ago from what would have been a fatal car accident. I think about how He provided for me and my family during a recession and when we gave up everything to move to Toronto to become disciples of Jesus. I am overwhelmed by Christ’s amazing love and mercy as He, the King of kings, died on the cross for me!

David finishes this beautiful psalm with conviction as he looks forward with confidence. He anticipates God’s continued blessings for the rest of his life and beyond – to eternity in the presence of God. David faced the future without fear. I am reminded of the godly woman in Proverbs 31:25 – “She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future” (NLT). This challenges me personally; for I can struggle at times with fear of the future thinking about health concerns, retirement and death. David’s unshakable confidence in his future inspires me to trust, as he did, in the goodness of God and to keep the goal of heaven before me.

My brother-in-law recently convicted me when he received a diagnosis of terminal cancer. As he talked with us about his future and how he was looking forward to heaven, he asked, “Isn’t this what Christianity is all about?” Yes, this is what Christianity is all about!

I, along with all my faithful brothers and sisters, will live “in the house of the Lord forever!”

Reflection Questions

Do you struggle with feelings of regret? Take some time to reflect on the goodness of God and journal how He has taken care of you.

Will you join me in deciding to face the future with confidence, and to “laugh without fear of the future”?

Dianna Bahula serves as part of the Senior Leadership Team for Milestone Churches along with her husband, Ed, who is an elder in the church. She is a retired nurse and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, baking, and entertaining.