Reminiscing

forget the past

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]

The Past is the Past

The past is the past

Job 28-30 That was then; this is now

Job continues his soliloquy, and now he remembers what life was like when all was well. How often do men return to the past and resonate with memories of how well life was like “then.” But, now Job continues to try to understand the why of all of this. Why has God allowed all of this? In some ways, he is like Hezekiah as he lay on his sickbed telling God how he had been faithful. Job and Hezekiah are alike in that they both seek wisdom for what has befallen them. Hezekiah never tells us if he understands, but Job says this about wisdom. “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'” [Job 28:28]

That was then: when all was well, but now, life is burdensome, and Job finds little peace in this. He reminds God that he is ready to meet the grave. As I read that, I thought of my parent and wondered was that on her mind? Will that be me when I am nearing death? What will be my thoughts?

That was then; this is now. Capture that and run with it. Enjoy the now for tomorrow, for who knows what will be our path.

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