Job 29-31

When the new year begins, we often find ourselves reminiscing about the past year or even the years beyond that. I remember when this happened or that happened etc. Job is no different than us. He reminisces about what life was like before his struggles. “Oh that I could be as I was…” [Job 29:2] He is caught up in the past life and what life was like “then,” but this life “now.”

We can relate to Job in many ways. We, too, reminisce about how life was long ago. Then I could do thus and so, but now I cannot. Instead of looking back, we need to look forward to what God has done for us and what He plans for our future. Instead of pondering our past circumstances, look back at the blessings God placed over us. “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.” [Eph 1:3] Also recall Jer. 29:11. God has a plan for us and does not include our past! Listen to the Apostle’s wise counsel: “forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead…” [Phil 3:13]