Hitherto And Henceforth

If my mother were still living today, she would have a black board in her kitchen. And on it would be a favorite Bible verse, or a special thought for her day.

I remember two words she put there: "Hitherto" and "Henceforth". When I asked her the meaning, she said, "Hitherto the Lord has helped us" (I Sam. 7:12)...and "Henceforth he shall." That was the kind of God she believed in. And that became my faith as well.

I stand between the "Hitherto" and the "Henceforth". And my praise becomes the great "nevertheless"! No matter what happens, no matter how bad things may become...I will trust him, and I will praise His name. And give thanks to God that He is God.

We have a coffee cup we received from the Dr. Schuler T.V. program that on one side reads: "Life's not fair." And on the other side it reads, "but God is good." And sometimes life isn't fair...but that does not stop me from trusting, from praising, or giving thanks. "Hitherto" the Lord has helped me..."Henceforth" He shall. This I believe.