Watch Where You are Dwelling

Say not “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. (Ecclesiastes 7:10, ESV)

To dwell in the past demonstrates a serious and sinful discontentment with what God has provided in the present. It rejects the goodness of God for today (Psalm 23:6)

Think of how easy it is to lock in on one time or era of life and view it as the “best” life has ever been. Each generation has this temptation to say their time was the best time. Those who grew up in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s or 80’s might reminisce about the music, movies, television shows, way of dressing, and when life seemed more carefree and less stressful. But God says wait. It is not from wisdom that we view life or the past in this way. Because God has and continues to do new things even to present day, we cannot think in such a way without sinning, denying his goodness, or becoming discontent.

When it comes to taking trips down “memory” lane, we must be cautious and very brief, not longingly or given to romanticizing. One thing we can do when we are tempted or find ourselves feeling or thinking this way, is to ask God for wisdom, for a new attitude and to transform our thoughts so we can stay current, live in the present, appreciate the new things he is doing right now; ask him to keep us from discontent and help us see all the beauty and wonders he keeps on doing in and around us. And he will! Let’s Pray,

Dear God, we are prone to revisiting and romanticizing about the past which also distorts the past and makes us discontent about the days and times we live in presently. Keep us focused, always grateful, and always connected to the times we live in. After all you are still doing great things in our world and life. Amen

Questions for Soul-Tending

Do you tend to visit the past in your mind or conversation often? Are you careful not to overlook the things God is doing now?

How will you incorporate today’s message in your plan of soul-care?