Jason Silver

Saturday, July 10th, 2021

Good Ol Days

When I was a child, I remember hearing my parents and grandparents refer to the past as the "good ol' days." Now, as a 52 year old, I recognize the temptation to look back on the past and idealize the memories I have. Like a typical old man, I seem to recall that children were more polite, people had better morals, everyone went to church, things moved more slowly, and you could trust the mainstream media. This fantasy list could go on and on.

Even Aristotle and Socrates have been attributed with commenting on the disrespect, foolishness, and immorality of youth in their era, and the following writing from Peter the Hermit in 1274 AD seems especially relevant:

"The world is passing through troublous times. The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they knew everything, and what passes for wisdom with us is foolishness with them. As for the girls, they are forward, immodest and unladylike in speech, behaviour and dress."

Notice that in verse five of Psalm 143, David also refers to the days of old, but with an important distinction. Instead of bemoaning other people, he fondly recalls the deeds of God. He remembers the way God worked in his life, or perhaps in his ancestor's lives, and this creates a thirst in himself to worship and seek the Lord.

I need to apply David's insight and wisdom to my own life. If the past was actually so much better, the responsibility for that lies at our own feet. Do we ponder God's deeds in the past, and hunger for His steadfast love? Do we pray for His direction? Do we ask Him to teach us, and seek His will in our lives?

Oh Lord, we are your servants, and like David, we long to see your face. At times it seems like there are none living who are righteous, not even ourselves. Lift our souls, and help us to put our trust in you.

Amen.