For the past week or so, I’ve been listening to the book of Ecclesiastes. It’s a book in the Old Testament of the Bible.
It was written by King Solomon. It is a book of wisdom.
There was a passage that has caught my attention the last time listening to the book in its entirety.
Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these? For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.”
Ecclesiastes 7:11
It can be easy to live in the past. It can be easy to dwell on our previous success. To remember how easy things may have previously been. Or to chase the person we used to be.
There was great doom and gloom from the Israelites with the second building of the Temple. It wasn’t as big or glorious as the first one, Ezra 3:12-13.
The Israelites often complained about how much better it was for them when they were in Egypt. What’s fascinating and sad at the same time is that they were also in bondage while in Egypt, Exodus 16:3.
It can be easy for us to dwell too long in the past. While it’s good to remember the good days, the days of victory and success with a heart of gratitude, we can’t get stuck in the past. Today is all we have! The past is a trap! Focus on today. Jesus emphasized this a great deal in His teachings, Matthew 6:33-34.
One danger for a lot of people can be chasing the body they used to have in their past. It can be easy to say, “I’m going to get the body I had…
“When I was in college.”
“When I was in high school.”
“Before I had my baby.”
“Before I got sick.”
While it’s great to want to be healthy and strong, it’s important to stay in the present. One could become even more fit than they were in the past. If we are constantly chasing our former selves, it will be become a losing battle. Focus on who you are right now and what you want to become. Stay present and enjoy today! It’s not from wisdom to constantly focus on the former days. Focus on what you can do to improve today, so that tomorrow will be even better!
Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these? For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.”
Ecclesiastes 7:10
For more wisdom from Solomon, be sure to check out the post below.