Job continues the longest speech in his namesake book of the Bible, found in Job chapters 26-31, with the “if only’s” of Job 29.

You can almost hear Job’s “woe is me” attitude, wishing things back to the way they were and turning all drama queen implying that God is no longer with him.

“Oh that I were as in months gone by, As in the days when God watched over me; When the Almighty was yet with me…”   Job 29:1, 5

He recounts his past blessings; how well he was treated, how wonderful and great he was, how he had everything… respect, honor, children and God.

How often do we do that ourselves?  We remember back to the “good ole’ days” when life was somehow better or easier or simpler, and wish we could go back.  But God doesn’t want us to dwell on the past…

“Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past.”   Isaiah 43:18

He wants us to learn from it.

 

 

The experiences we have in our lifetime make each of us unique.  Each experience molds us into the person God wants us to be and gives us our voice, our unique story and equips us to help others.  God uses the past to teach us and to better us.

“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”   Romans 15:4

Don’t look back upon your life with regret or wish away where you are now.  Ask God to help you find His plan for you right where you are.  God has given you a story only you can tell and equipped you with the tools you need.  Look around.  Who has God placed in your life right now?  Reach out…

 

 

 

Related posts:
I need a new… [Job 1-2]
with friends like these… [Job 4-25 reflections]
Are Job’s Friends All That Bad? [Job 1-2]
Are you a drama queen? [Job 3]
Shut don’t go up… [Job 7]
The beauty of a collector [Job 9]
You know what happens when you ASS-U-ME [Job 1-9 reflections]
Liar, liar, pants on fire! [Job 11]
Look around! [Job 12-13]
Put up your dukes! [Job 15]
Sticks and stones… [Job 18]
I pity the fool… [Job 20-21]
I am with you always. [Job 23-24]
Show some compassion! [Job 25-28]