"Yesterday's Pastures"

Yesterday’s pastures are with me today,

The trails of my childhood I can still hear them say,

You were born cowboy and always will be,

Yesterday’s pastures still speaking to me.

Yesterday’s horses are with me today,

I can still name each one, in my mind on display,

Old Corky and Dizzy, Dove, Drifter, and Strait,

Yesterday’s horses with their color and gait.

Yesterday’s people are with me today,

Those whom I once loved along life’s highway,

My good old partners in the saddle they were,

Yesterday’s people, none those memories deter.

Yesterday’s family are with me today,

The old and the young ones and the ones gone away,

I’m thankful for all of those who are my kin,

Yesterday’s family from where I have been.

Yesterday’s prayers are with me today,

Both those God answered with a yes or a nay,

Used by the Good Lord to lighten my load,

Yesterday’s prayers with the grace that He showed.

Yesterday’s plans are with me today,

Some that came true or fell through, had delay,

The visions inspired me to do what I could,

Yesterday’s plans helped me to what I should.

Yesterday’s sins are with me today,

Though all forgiven, by the blood washed away,

God used to teach lessons that deepened my love,

Yesterday’s sins only cured from above.

Yesterday’s wonders are with me today,

The beauty of miracles I relive and I say,

Glory to God for all He has done,

Yesterday’s wonders and the race I have run.

“All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16, NIV)

The Psalmist recognized God as the Lord of his days. The book of days and God’s unfolding plan was real to him, and he honored God’s claim upon His life. This doesn’t mean that everything that happens is God’s will. Free choice always is a part of the mix. But in an ultimate sense, God is in control. He works in everything for our good and makes our lives abundant. Past, present and future are defined by Him. it is a relief to know we are not in charge, and we would not make a better god than God, in any given situation.

Lord, help us to recognize You as the author of our lives, in Jesus’ name.

Photo by Kirstie Lambert, used by permission. Thanks, Kirstie, and God bless you.