Rueing ‘the good old days’

“And the people complained . . .” Numbers 11:1 ESV

Those four words are a refrain that is repeated time and again throughout the Israelites’ journey across the desert.  They complained, they grumbled, they fussed, they wallowed in their discontent. They bellyached about the heavenly bread – Manna – which God sent them from heaven. They longed for meat and the fish, cucumbers, melons, leek, onions, and garlic they remembered eating in Egypt where they were brutally oppressed.

Then again, you and I aren’t so different. We long for the ‘good old days’ when life was less complicated. We grumble against the status quo and build up resentment against those who set hurdles before us. If we’re not careful grumbling can become our default, especially during trying times.

The greatest danger, as followers of Christ, rests in the lies of the enemy who sows seeds of discontent. He doesn’t cause us to question God’s involvement in our lives as much as he makes us doubt His goodness and faithfulness. He presses us to question God’s good purposes. He turns our gaze back to what we’ve lost and gives rise to misgivings about the future.

My friend, are you walking through a difficult season? Do you question God’s plan for your life? Maybe it’s time to have an honest talk with Him. Be honest about your thoughts and feelings. Confess your anxiety and discontent. Then turn your gaze away from the past and onto the future. Trust your heavenly Father and claim His promises over your life. Memorize Jeremiah 29:11 and repeat it every time the enemy whispers doubt into your ear. The same God who was faithful in the past will continue to be faithful in the coming days. That’s a promise you can stake your future upon.

Prayer: Lord, you are a good and faithful Father. Help us to walk in thankfulness and gratitude for all that you are and that you have done for us. May praise become our default, especially on those days when the journey grows difficult and long. It’s in your name we pray, Amen.

Thought: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “Plans for good and not for evil, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11