Day 159

The Past Is Past

Read: Job 28-30

Job extols human technological achievements but points out that they do not bring wisdom, which only comes from God. What a message to our generation, which seemingly is so advanced in its technology! Yet with all our genius, people still do not have wisdom. Many have wealth and education but make a mess of their lives. Someone has said that this is a day of guided missiles and misguided men. Christ is the source of true wisdom; we need to share him with our generation.

Job continues by contrasting his present misery with the past when God was with him and all men showed him the highest respect. He claimed that he did what was right because he had concern for the poor: “I delivered the poor who cried, and the fatherless who had none to help him” (29:12). Yet now, “I cry to you for help and you do not answer me” (30:20 ESV). The loving God is not treating him as well as he had treated others, and he cannot comprehend this.

When we are going through trials, comparing our present situation to the wonderful past does no good. It only generates self-pity, which is one of the most destructive attitudes we can have. The past is past. Each phase of our lives must be handled. Things do not stay the same. Changes come, and we need to ask for grace to handle the problems of the present, instead of dreaming about the past.

PRAYER
Father, help us to deal with our present problems with your help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.