“Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is not wise to ask such questions.” (Ecclesiastes 7:10, NIV)
It is normal to be nostalgic for times passed. The “good old days” are so-called for a reason. Sometimes it seems as if people were kinder, life was less stressful and everything was a little bit more wholesome. When you think of the good ol’ days, it may cause feelings of loss, but God does not want us to dote too much on the past. Ecclesiastes Chapter 7 talks about birth, living, and dying – the beginning and the end. Verse 10, quoted above, tells us not to ask why the past sometimes seems better than the present. Balance the past with the present with these helpful tips.
Trust in God’s Path
To ask why the old days were better than the present suggests that you’re calling into question God’s ways and plans, just as Job did (Job 29:2-5). Wishing for the old days is another way of saying you’re unhappy with your current life. Practice an attitude of gratitude, thanking God for your current blessings. This will help you avoid what Ecclesiastes 7:10 asks you not to do, yet still allow you to look back on the past in happiness.
Honor the Past While Still Being Present
Ecclesiastes 7:10 doesn’t mean you have to forget the past. Quite the opposite. It asks Christians to trust in God’s path for the future, not to disconnect with the past. You can honor the past while still enjoying the present in numerous ways every day. Reconnect with old friends you haven’t spoken to in a while. Plan a family reunion. Download a Clean Classics Movie Guide and have a movie night with a classic flick from the past.
Find Ways to Slow Down
There are ways to inspire the same feelings you get when you think about the past in your daily life. Slow down and enjoy your days at a more leisurely pace. Unplug from technology and take time to enjoy the here and now – what is right in front of you. Find ways to to bring back thoughts of the past without feeling sad or discontent with the present: cook a meal you used to love as a child, dust off an old photo album, or dance to one of your favorite records from the past.
Practice Positivity
When you put the past on a pedestal, you run the risk of placing the present in a negative light exercise a positive attitude as you get older. See the passing of time as a natural thing that’s part of God’s plan. Look at the glass as half full – you still have time ahead of you to make new favorite memories. There is always something to look forward to. If you choose to look at time positively, you can prevent feeling blue about missing the old days.
Age with Grace and Faith
Age isn’t a bad thing. The Bible says a lot about aging, and speaks about the elderly as being worthy of great respect. It lists benefits of old age, such as wisdom and a lifetime of knowledge and understanding. The Bible says that people will
“…still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” (Psalm 92:14, NIV).
Do not let your fear of getting older keep you from living a fruitful present. Enjoy feelings of nostalgia, but do so in a healthy, productive way. Take comfort in reminders of times past, but set your sights on the beautiful future God has planned for you. Remember – you can always revisit the past in a healthy way with this Classics Movie Guide.
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