Make An Investment (Thought-Provoking Thursday)
Photo Credit: Markito, via Pixabay
Do you ever look back and wish for what might have been? Sometimes, I do. Just this morning, I was reading in Job, and I must admit that I could echo his sentiments.
“Oh, how I long for the good old days,
when God took such very good care of me.
He always held a lamp before me
and I walked through the dark by its light.
Oh, how I miss those golden years
when God’s friendship graced my home,
When the Mighty One was still by my side
and my children were all around me,
When everything was going my way,
and nothing seemed too difficult. (Job 29:1-6, MSG)
If things aren’t going my way, I tend to cry “woe is me” like Job. I forget why I am here. I don’t see the bigger picture, and I forget God’s grander purpose. But, today I was reminded when I read up on Job’s story in one of my favorite reference books:
When life is difficult, it is normal to look back at the “good old days” and want to turn back the clock. But that approach is selfish (note how many times Job says “I” and “my”) and only adds to your pain. It makes enjoying happiness more important than experiencing holiness. Job listed some of the blessings he had enjoyed and some of the services he had performed for others, and all of that should have prepared him to face his trials with confidence. The past must be more than a memory; it must be a ministry. Today will soon be a yesterday. Are you using today to grow in the Lord so you are prepared for tomorrow? Is life an investment or just enjoyment?
Warren Wiersbe, Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary
This is awesome, ” The past must be more than a memory, it must be a ministry.” What am I doing today to prepare me for what is coming tomorrow. Many times the Lord has placed it on my heart to earnestly pray for my tomorrows, seeking His will above all else, trusting that His completely in control. It is when we prepare our hearts to receive HIM that we can fully meet all that is to come. Yet, this memory/ministry connection is powerful. I will definitely be thinking on this one.
As Always… Thank You, Lyli.
Blessings,
Dawn
Thanks for the beautiful post & for hosting & God bless!
I never thought of it this way! Thanks for sharing these thoughts. (My mama’s favorite book in the bible was Job, which I always thought was rather odd. But, there really is such a revelation of God found in it, isn’t there?)
Hi! I often tend to look back and wonder where I’d been had I been wiser or made different choices. However, I’ve come to realise that this is not helpful. So I choose to linger on things God has done in my life and where He is taking me. I hope your spirits are lifted. God Bless, and thank you for the linky.
Lyli, thank you for sharing the powerful quote from Warren Wiersbe. It is so true that we can often long for the “good old days”. Even the Israelites did as they longed once again for the things in Egypt. At times, we may not remember accurately. Wiersbe provides such wisdom in saying to use today as a springboard for tomorrow. May we keep moving forward in & through Christ. Thank you for sharing this today, Lyli! It was much appreciated!
Thank you for this post. I needed it today. I need it everyday. When I look back and remember all that God has brought me through, how He has loved me, how He has used me to love others, today becomes another opportunity for Him to do amazing things. Yesterday does is ministry preparing me for tomorrow. Thanks again for the reminder.
This is why I love the verse – “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Our focus needs to remain on today. We can’t get the past back, but we can make today and tomorrow better for His glory. Thank you for that reminder and for the link-up!
Lyli,
Yes 🙂 Great quote from Wiersbe…to invest our today wisely for it will equip us to better face our tomorrows in God’s strength…praying you are well and God encourages your heart, my friend 🙂
Your thought-provoking Thursday posts are truly always thought provoking. Much love. xoxo
Great post, Lyli! I may have to swipe that Wiersbe quote – the bit about looking back at the past. I’m starting my September series on “Memorial Stones” – that line stopped me in my tracks. It’s the second time this week I’ve read it!!
Yep – You may see it again in September . . . somehow . . .
Thanks for hosting. Always thought provoking and inspiring!
Joy!
Kathy
Very thought-provoking. I have someone very close to me who I try to counsel in just this way. He lives in the past and misses the blessings of the day.
Great post – God always has the bigger picture in mind! Visiting from Counting My Blessings today. Nice to meet you.
I have to admit that I often do look back into the past, longing for days gone by. But when I do that, I am missing the beautiful moments that God has put right in front of me. I do not want to live a life of regrets. I want to life fully in the here and now.