What does it mean to reflect on the former times? We’ve all heard people talk about the “good old days.” Many of us have gone back to a time in our lives when things seemed better than the current state. Honestly, in these times, it’s hard not to. And really there are two thoughts that cross my mind. The first is gratefulness. When we look back, let’s remember to be grateful for the blessings God has provided. When we have Christ, we have the peace that enables us to be grateful in all circumstances.
Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB
The second thought I have when reading this passage is the natural longing that all humanity possesses to be reunited with God and His creation before the fall. Even though we don’t always say it like this, I think what we really desire is to go back to the days before sin entered this world. When we place our faith in Jesus, obey His will, and seek His heart, we experience a small slice of our pre-sin relationship with God when He walked in the garden with Adam.
Because of what Jesus has done, we can revel in the promises that we gain through this faith. We can walk confidently through this life with nothing to fear knowing that at death we will be given a seat at the heavenly table of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The only thing we may justifiably long for is to be like Adam and Eve were before the fall… but even then, a New Heaven and New Earth are coming for those who hold true to their faith in Christ. In the meantime, let us rejoice and praise Him for what He has done, how He is using us, and for the place He has prepared for each one of us in eternity.