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PINIMAGEThis morning I found myself staring at a photo of Mark and me with our children when they were quite a bit younger. It hurt my heart a little, kind of like a squeeze. When I look back at old photos and chubby faces and fingers, I wonder how the time has passed so quickly.
Isn’t it tempting to long for days of yesteryear? It’s not like I had everything figured out then. It’s not as though there weren’t times of question or second guessing myself. I wasn’t parent of the year. In fact, I’m sure I even longed for “yesteryear” at each turn in my life I find myself reminiscing about. I’m sure I had as many questions then as I do now. Questions like, “How do I raise my kids to love God and others?” “How do I foster open communication with my children in this phase of life?” “How do I protect my kids from the pitfalls that threaten them everyday?”
And my questions don’t stop there.
“Will I waste this day because my to-do list seems impossible?”
“Is God disappointed that I rushed through my time with Him the past few days?”
“Will I ever get back into an exercise routine?”
“Can I get all these projects done?”
“Will I raise all the money needed for our India trip?”
“When will I get this house back in order?”
Just to name a few.
When our minds are full of question, it’s tempting to glamourize yesteryear.
“I remember when my kids hugged me/needed me more.”
“I remember when I was a comfortable size 6.”
“I remember when we the house was always clean.”
“I remember when I excelled in that fast-paced, high-pressure job.”
“I remember when…”
Why do we long for yesteryear? I know I long for yesteryear when the circumstances of today are uncertain or I feel as though I’m failing in some way.
The truth is, longing for yesteryear wastes my moments today. It’s not a healthy or productive approach to the daily questions I face.
The truth is, longing for yesteryear wastes my moments today.
But I know a solution. I know what truly brings me peace in my questions. Instead of longing for the illusive yesteryear, I am fixing my mind on the mercies of God. I go to God with my questions.
“Will I waste this day, because my to-do list seems impossible?” God calls me out of the ordinary. He guides me in mercy and truth as I fix my eyes on Him. He holds my future and my today.
2 Timothy 1:19 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.
Psalm 90:17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.
“Is God disappointed that I rushed through my time alone with Him the past few days? “ God desires to show me more of Himself as I set aside time alone with Him. He does not punish me when I neglect that valuable time. Instead, He shows compassion.
Psalm 103:13-14 Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.
“Will I ever get back to an exercise routine?” Yes, I plan to get moving again. But I don’t have to beat myself up. Instead, I can devise a plan with attainable goals and keep things in perspective.
1 Timothy 4:8 says, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
“Can I get these projects done?” God cares for me and empowers me to accomplish what is before me as I call on Him.
Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
“Will I raise the money needed for our India trip?” God is my source.
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
“When will I get this house back in order?” I can do my best to be a good steward of what God has given me and leave the rest to Him. When I am tempted to become overwhelmed or I become lazy I can ask God to help me.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Matthew 6:31-34 “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
What questions fill your mind today? Listen to me and let this sink in…for every question you have, God has an answer. For every uncertainty…God has a plan. When your heart tempts you to despair, when you long for yesteryear because today seems lackluster, God has a better way.
For every question you have, God has an answer.
We beat ourselves up and often leave the starting gate each morning defeated but we don’t have to.
1 John 3:20 For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.
Psalm 86:5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
This morning, I want to leave you with a song that runs through my mind as I forsake the temptation to wish for yesteryear and consider the mercies of God.
Reflect on His mercies today.
Wonderful Merciful Savior
By Phillips, Craig and Dean
Wonderful, merciful Savior
Precious Redeemer and friend
Who would have thought that a lamb could
Rescue the souls of men
Oh, You rescue the souls of men
Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost the way
Oh, we hopelessly lost the way
You are the one that we praise
You are the one we adore
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for
Almighty, infinite Father
Faithfully loving Your own
Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne
Oh, we’re falling before Your throne
You are the one that we praise
You are the one we adore
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for
Let’s surrender our day to the Lord along with it’s questions. Let’s allow Him to guide us into purpose and strength in His mercy. He is our remedy to the succumbing to the illusions of yesteryear.
