There is a popular song, "Glory Days" which addresses the propensity of some to live today in the memory of yesterday. There is certainly not one thing wrong with reflecting upon our past occasionally, but living in the past wastes the gift of today.
Lot's wife made the mistake of glancing back on the past they were fleeing and look what happened. She had been given a reprieve from sure death and the hope of a future with only one requirement. Having been told to not look back, she was disobedient and as she glanced upon the past she paid dearly for her sin.
Job sat with his three friends lamenting all he had lost which had taken years to accumulate. Such a great loss must be mourned, for Job lost it all--including his family. After a period of time, Job picked up and started again. He moved forward, and the memory of all he lost--moved with him--forever etched upon his heart. Still he made the most of today and retained the lessons from the past.
Our history is an important part of who we are. The lessons of yesterday helps us live a better today. As we reminiscence on our past, we are reminded of God's presence and blessings in our lives. Even in the hard times, we are blessed with His comfort and care. The past is a reminder in how life should be lived. We can learn from our mistakes as well as those times well lived.
We are all mortal and have a past, present, and future. Each of these seasons has an important function in forming who we are. We learn from the past, live in the present, and have the sure hope of a future. It is so with all men. Only God is always present--in our past, in today, and in the future. Time is eternal with Him and He can be present in all three places at once.
I often laugh and say, "If only I had a crystal ball." Faith and trust are my solution to my unknown future. I look on the past and see how God has been by my side and live today knowing that has not changed. As for the future, based upon the truth of God's Word and the knowledge of my history, I have faith and complete trust God will always be with me.
The past was all a beautiful gift from God, but I have only this moment to serve and seek Him. How will it look when I look back at this moment and how I used it? My past is exactly like my rear view mirror in my car--only to be used for brief glimpses. My eyes are fixed on the road in front of me and not glued to what I have left behind.
13 Brothers and sisters,
I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize
for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
I appreciate the message and lesson of your post today, Lulu. But I don't know why; my mind is jumping from one facetious comment to another. Nothing to do with your post, it is just the way I sometimes think ... I think!
ReplyDeleteFor example ... perhaps Lot's wife was innocent. The Bible says "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city ..." Maybe Lot's wife was looking back for the flea? Hardly a fitting punishment turning her into salt!
God bless.
I laughed out loud, Victor! Thank You!
DeleteBlessings!
Yes, we can learn so much from the past, but dwelling on it? Only a waste of the here and now when we can be serving God in faith and hope.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Lulu!
Amen, Martha! Could not agree more!
DeleteBlessings, My Friend!