Present Help From the Past
It is natural, when racked by trouble, to lose sight of all else and focus on problems. We get the idea our current trouble is the worst every experienced and see no way through; despair blinds us to all else. In Job 10:18 we see Job ask: “Why then did you bring me out of the womb? I wish I had died before any eyes saw me.” Like him, we can lose site of past joys and become convinced we will never feel joy again.
So how do we battle this? Follow the example of the Psalmists when they found themselves buffeted and attacked. While in the deepest, darkest troubles they recalled what God had done in their past. They refreshed their souls with all that God had done before. Take time today and recollect what God has done for you: look back to the day of your salvation; remember the troublesome times in your past and how God got you through; refresh your mind with the joy you felt when past problems were turned to blessings; anticipate the feeling of awe when God brings you through again.
A hurt child runs to a parent with arms thrown up and the assurance that mom or dad will make everything better. She remembers past times when wounds were kissed and pain was loved away. The child responds to current hurt through past experience. We, like children, need to remember all our heavenly Father has done for us.
The saying is true, “That which does not kill me makes me stronger.” I’ve noticed, with the passage of time, troubles do not pummel like they used to. As we go through life we collect examples of God’s intervention to carry us through. In youth everything deflates us, but as we gather the experiences of age we are conditioned. Of course, we can wallow in depression when we lose sight of God, but over the years He has placed more at our disposal to lean on for support and assure of future deliverance.
Thank God today for your past experiences—especially those you once cried over. The trouble he allows is meant to draw you closer to him.
