SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1112

“The Good Old Days”

Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this. – Ecclesiastes 7:10

Do you often lament and pine for the good old days? Looking back life seemed to be so much simpler in the 40’s, and 50’s – or were they really?

The nation of Israel had forgotten what it was like to be cruelly mistreated as slaves in Egypt and began to lose trust and faith in God and His promises and plan for them.

“Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? …would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.” – Numbers 14:3-4

God’s Word teaches us about Esther who was taken from her family to be in the king’s harem. She probably longed for the good old days as well but God used her to fulfill His plan.

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14

Job pined for the good old days also as he went through a very difficult time in his life.

“Oh that I were as in months gone by, As in the days when God watched over me; When His lamp shone over my head, And by His light I walked through darkness; As I was in the prime of my days, When the friendship of God was over my tent; When the Almighty was yet with me, And my children were around me; – Job 29:2-5

During such trying times we tend to lose sight of the fact that God remains present to comfort and heal and see us through it.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. – Psalm 46:1

Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! – Lamentations 3:22-23

A windshield is a lot bigger than a rear view mirror for a reason. It is the same principle for our Christian life walk as it is for driving a car. The past is past – we need to learn from it and thrive in the present looking forward to the future trusting in God and in His love and care for us.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope; And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11

Do not look to the good old days of the past for comfort. Rejoice in today – in the present abiding presence of the Lord. Eagerly anticipate the ‘something new’ that God is bringing about in your life.

“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it?-  Isaiah 43:18-19

This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24