Looking back on the past—it’s something we all do from time to time. Sometimes, we look back to the ‘good old days,’ a perception of a time when we were younger.  A time when we had fun, explored, played, and laughed.  Perhaps it was the opposite – we reminisce about something we once cherished, such as health, wealth, success, or relationships that now seem lost or unattainable.  But if our thoughts linger there too long, we risk letting those memories pull us back entirely, leaving us in danger of being anchored to the past and missing out on the present.

Focus Not On Who We Were

Perhaps you often ponder how you looked or acted in your youth.  While looking at old photos and videos, my adult children have told me, “I was like a different person back then.  Looking back, it’s almost like I’m seeing someone else.” Indeed, we were all different versions of ourselves in the past.  For example, our bodies are physically continually regenerating with fresh new cells.  As we grow older, we gain new understanding and wisdom. 

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.  When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” 1 Corinthians 13:11 ESV

Let Go of What We Once Had

Clinging to the past may indicate dissatisfaction with the present.   When discontentment seeps into our hearts, we second-guess our choices, pondering, “Perhaps I shouldn’t have moved,” or “Maybe I shouldn’t have taken that job.”   We often become fixated on recapturing a period when everything felt just right.  Longing to return to happier times frequently reflects our desire for aspects absent in our current lives.  Yet, if we’re honest, those “good old days” might not have been as perfect as we recall.

Searching for Something Better

In our constantly connected world, it’s easy to feel others have it better.  Advertising and social media tempt us to compare and desire what we do not need.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Mathew 6:33 ESV

God knows what we need and provides for us in His timing.  But the truth is, there will always be something missing, and we will feel it until we’re in our heavenly home.  God’s ultimate purpose for our lives is not earthly prosperity.  Everything God does in our lives has one primary purpose:  to glorify Him and enjoy him forever.  When this truth permeates our being, contentment naturally follows.  Paul learned to be content in every circumstance.  

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:11-13

Embrace Change with God’s Guidance

This year, instead of making a list of New Year’s Resolutions that you probably won’t keep such as: losing weight, exercising more, or saving money, God might be inviting you to embrace some permanent changes in your life.  Sometimes, He guides us towards transformation, encouraging us to let go of habits or relationships that may hinder our spiritual journey with Him. This could mean you must walk away from unwholesome relationships or things God sees as unholy.   It may also involve being more intentional about how we use our time, such as reducing time watching TV or putting down our phones so that you can engage more deeply with those around us.  Additionally, God might be nudging us to reduce our debt and spend more wisely, forgiving and loving those we would prefer not to, and devoting regular, meaningful time to reading the Bible. The best way to discern exactly what God is saying to you is through prayer and being receptive to His voice.  Ultimately, His desire is to gradually shape us into the likeness of Christ.  God won’t force things on us, it’s our choice, our decision.   

Being Content Today

Regardless of our past, we can thank the Lord for his wise providence in leading us where we are now.  Often, a backward glance reveals His sovereign plan and goodness.   God orchestrates all circumstances for His eternal purpose, which should compel us to give thanks.  “Thank you, God, for where I am now.” He is working all things to His eternal good and glory.

“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Our love for God infuses sweetness into every circumstance, enabling us to perceive the goodness in all things. Yet, in moments of heartbreak, tragedy, disappointment, frustration, and grief, we may struggle to see how these experiences work for our good. It’s essential to remember that whatever God permits in our lives is meant to shape us into the likeness of His Son. When we embrace this truth, our prayers transform from questioning to trusting. Our lives are not controlled by impersonal forces such as chance, luck, or fate, but by a personal Lord, who is “too loving to be unkind and too wise to err.”

Many of us struggle with finding contentment in our present circumstances or the possessions we have. We often feel the need for a new car, a larger house, and other material things. However, let’s consider the way Jesus and His disciples lived: they lived in modest homes made of stone and mud or sunbaked bricks, with minimal furniture such as benches and stools and mats for sleeping. They used simple clay stoves for heating and cooking and relied on oil lamps for lighting. Jesus and His disciples traveled frequently, often relying on the generosity and hospitality of others, and many times they slept under the open sky.

In comparison, we are blessed with so much more. We can buy what we need with the click of a button, and it appears on our doorstep. True contentment leads us to appreciate our blessings and recognize the abundance we have; despite the things we may think we lack.  Let go of the past, quit dwelling on it – that time is gone.   Ultimately, our greatest destination is the promise of a glorious future in heaven.  We can find joy and peace in the knowledge of God’s provision and the eternal hope we have in Him.