THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’                                                                                                                 Hebrews 13:5

Do you ever wonder what it is about human nature that makes us think the things we CAN’T have are better than the things we CAN and DO have? It seems that we think the past always seems sweeter than the present. We remember fondly “the good old days” and secretly (or maybe not so secretly) wish for things to be as they once were.

What am I getting at? Just this – the foolish human heart seems to have no capacity for finding joy and contentment in things as they are now. Instead, we want to reach back to the past, completely ignoring all of its disappointments and inconveniences.

As we read the Bible, we see all of the complaints of God’s people. It’s shocking to realize how many there were. For instance -- The children of Israel decided that it would be better to be slaves in Egypt than to be in the wilderness where they were led by a pillar of fire, fed with manna from Heaven and sustained by miraculous water, clothed with clothes that never wore out, and protected by the God of Heaven. Even then, they had the nerve to long for “the good old days.” And this is just one example.  How grieved the Lord must be with the discontent and ingratitude of His children.

But Paul seemed to get it right. He said, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”

I believe the most precious commodity we have are these very moments right now. The “good old days” are gone. You can’t change them or bring them back. Let’s thank God for the present, no matter what its problems might be, and find contentment and joy in serving Him – RIGHT NOW!

Gracious Heavenly Father, Thank you for every day you give us and for every blessing we enjoy. Help us to look at each day as a gift from you and help us to use every day to serve you to the very best of our ability. Amen.

                                                                          Pastor Ruth