Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me. Job 29:2

Memories of the past can bring comfort and strength to help in turbulent and troubling times. Like the brightness of the sun which appears from behind the storm clouds and rain, pleasant memories of the past appear out of the darkness to overshine the clouds of gloom, dreariness, and despair. Present dissatisfactions can drive our minds to look back on the sunshine and sweetness of days past, yearning for the warm comfort of friends, fellowship, and family and brightened by the glories of past successes. We find in this scripture passage the comfort of God’s faithfulness and His presence in troubled times. Awakened to the pleasurable memories when His presence was near, and when His peace filled our hearts, we can hear the cry of our heart say, “Oh that I were as in the months past.” Dreary and dampened by the desire for new things, we have drifted, and the evidence of His presence is so distance. Pressed for more popular conversation and communion for present things, prayer is neglected, and the closet is closed. Affections are stirred and occupied with other things, more than God, rather than things in heaven. In these times, the child of God is reminded of “the days when God preserved me” and like the prodigal “when he came to himself…I will arise and go to my father” (Lk 15:18). We too can return to our Father to enjoy the peace of His presence, the forgiveness of His fellowship, and the pleasure of His present hope. My friend, do you know the goodness of God? Have you yet to know the love God has for you through His Son Jesus? He loved the world and gain His only Son for you that you may have eternal life with Him and not perish in your sin. God is faithful and faithfully loves you unconditionally. There may be times when you will drift, or spiritually decline, but my friend, be reminded by the pleasant memories of His fellowship and faithfulness. God hasn’t gone from you. He will “never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb 13:5). Ask His grace and strength to help you to walk more closely with Him.