When To Dwell On The Past
/in Devotions, Entrepreneur Spiritual Growth/by Valerie RieseWhen To Dwell On The Past
Some Bible verses tell us to forget the past while others tell us to think on days of old. So which is it? Do we remember the past or leave it behind to focus on what’s right in front of us? Find out when God wants us to dwell on the past.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
Psalm 77:11 ESV
The Bible can be confusing when Scripture seems to contradict itself. One example is the Bible’s instructions for remembering the past.
In Psalm 105:5, King David promises to “Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered.”
Then, in in Proverbs 4:25, David’s son, King Solomon, tells us to “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Proverbs 4:25 ESV
So who do we listen to, the father or the son? Do we remember the past or leave it behind to focus on what’s right in front of us?
The answer is in Psalm 77, where we find Asaph in a long, sorrowful night of memories.
First, Asaph remembered the times of joyful nights filled with song and dance as Kind David’s worship team leader. But those days are over, life has changed, and Asaph isn’t singing anymore. He’s overwhelmed, longing to be comforted, and too upset to even pray.
What’s more, Asaph is so focused on his circumstances, that he’s blaming God for his unfortunate twist of fate. Surely, the loss and suffering he endures is a sign that God has left him to wander the wilderness of life alone.
Then Asaph remembers others who wandered the wilderness before him. God delivered the Israelites out of slavery and into the barren desert to walk through the wilderness for forty years. There, God performed some of His most miraculous wonders. Despite the Israelites grumbling just as bitterly as Asaph, God was always there.
Asaph was still thinking on days of gone by, but instead of dwelling on his own problem, he remembered God’s provision. As Asaph’s recalled God’s goodness, his perspective and his mood pivoted from grief to gratitude.
It’s a fine line…
Sometimes I need to remind myself there’s a fine line between dealing with a situation and dwelling on it. Usually this is as I kick myself out of my own pity party to start solving problems and moving on.
Yes, there is a time to grieve, to process our hurt and suffering. Even Jesus cried. The father of lies wants us to believe God has forgotten us so we will remain broken. Satan knows his days are numbered, so he will do anything he can to ruin ours. But God never changes, so He walks through our wilderness with us, just as He did for the Israelites.
God comes alongside the broken hearted to comfort and heal us. He loved us thousands of years before any of us were born, and He will continue to love us for eternity.
Scripture doesn’t contradict itself; it elaborates, filling in every piece of the puzzle as we read. We are to listen to both David and his son, Solomon, as the Father tells us to leave our old self behind to remember what His Son has done.
Do you spend more time dwelling on your problem or on God’s provision? Join me today in praising God for who He is and what He’s done.
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Valerie Riese
Valerie is a wife, mother, blogger, breast cancer survivor, and virtual assistant. After suffering years of debilitating anxiety, she learned that victory over anxiety comes only through surrender to Jesus. Valerie writes to point women to the Jesus as co-director of Candidly Christian, and as a freelance writer and editor. You can learn more about Valerie at ValerieRiese.com
He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
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The Fable of Ella the Forgetful Elephant: Fostering a Culture of Compassion
/in Devotions, Entrepreneur Community/by Valerie RieseThe Fable of Ella the Forgetful Elephant
Fostering a Culture of Compassion
Have you ever dismissed someone as incapable? Learn about fostering a culture of compassion from Ella the Forgetful Elephant.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Finally, all of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble
(1 Peter 3:8 CSB).
Snappy Nanny
Nanny elephant stomped and raised her trunk at the little ones’ persistent whining for peanuts. She had neither time nor patience for the tedium of picking so many peanuts every day.
Young, forgetful Ella trotted to Nanny announcing “I can help! Picking peanuts is fun and easy.”
Nanny glanced downward and snapped “Really? Would your memory loss allow you to find your way out of the forest by yourself?”
Read Proverbs 11:12. How can your own pride make your life more difficult?
Freed By Faith
Faith overheard and sighed as she drew a sad face in the sand with her trunk. Sure, Ella was forgetful, but at least she wanted to help. There had to be something she could do.
“Are you okay?” She asked as Ella shuffled by.
Ella was so deep in her sad thoughts that she didn’t hear Faith. But Faith noticed a trail following Ella left by her dragging trunk.
“Ella, wait!” Faith called and hopped towards her.
“Why, are you going to be mean to me too?” Ella mumbled.
“No, I’m not here to make you feel even worse. I’m here to help you.”
“Why do you want to help me?”
“Because you’re the best peanut picker in the herd. And, whether she wants to admit it or not, Nanny does need help.”
Ella’s trunk curled between her feet. “But she’s right. I forget how to get home every time I go to the peanut forest.”
“Maybe you do. But look behind you now! See the trail back to Nanny? You made that! You know where else you can leave a trail?”
As Ella turned around, her eyes opened wide. “Yes! I’ll make a trail in the forest so I can find my way back!”
“See how smart you are! Now let’s show Nanny how helpful you’ll be!”
Read Romans 12:3. How would you treat people in the community and workplace differently if you just assumed that everyone struggles with something?
Snacks and Smiles
A week later, Ella and Faith listened with the children beneath the maple tree. The only noise to be heard was the crunch of cracking peanut shells.
“The End…”, Nanny announced. With peanut shells about his feet, young Elliot yelled, “Thank you Nanny for the snack while you read the story!” As Nanny glanced up and made eye contact with them, Ella and Faith both saw it.
Nanny smiled.
Have you ever dismissed or mistreated someone as incapable or “less than?” Pray now for forgiveness and repentance. Ask God if you should reach out to the person you hurt. Ask for His wisdom to show compassion, and love in the future.
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for making all of us on purpose, for a purpose. I repent of the times I’ve judged people with different abilities. Please help me be more like-minded, sympathetic, compassionate, humble, and loving so I’ll see the value and abilities of others. Let my life preach of Your love. Amen.
Irish poet Oliver Goldsmith wrote “You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips.” How can you show the love of Christ to others you interact with and those who observe your behavior?
Next Steps
Watch the Webinar
Lue Kraltchev, Culture Strategist: Cultivating Culture CHAT, Part 1
Join Us on Facebook!
For more encouragement, join us on Facebook:
NACWE Freedom Facebook Group
or
Karen Bourg Companies Facebook Group
Valerie Riese
Valerie is a wife, mother, blogger, breast cancer survivor, and virtual assistant. After suffering years of debilitating anxiety, she learned that victory over anxiety comes only through surrender to Jesus. Valerie writes to point women to the Jesus as co-director of Candidly Christian, and as a freelance writer and editor. You can learn more about Valerie at ValerieRiese.com
He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
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