Friday, March 10,
2023
NOSTALGIA
Ps 143:5-6
5 I remember the
days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the
work of thy hands.
6 I stretch forth
my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. KJV
Nostalgia is a sentimentality for a period of
time that held pleasant things. Nostalgia is formed from two Greek words, one
meaning “homecoming” and the other meaning “despair or sorrow”. Most things we fondly remember were seldom as
wonderful as we remember them.
David spent much of
his time dodging spears and deflecting conspiracies. He and his small band were
constantly on the run from the rage of King Saul. Later he was deposed from his
throne by his own son. I visualize him by a warm fire, perhaps poking the coals
with a stick, and humming an old familiar hymn. His thoughts turned to all the
rescues and blessings of the past. So very many rescues.
Joel says that old men “dream
dreams” but I know that old men also remember. So many things we were sure
would dash all our hopes were chased away by the grace of God. We escaped time
and time again. So, we learned to trust God’s wonderful works. We were not
lucky. We were guarded, protected, and received richly those things we needed. Those
are good memories. Nostalgia.
The stretching
forth of the hands is an almost universal gesture of pleading. David reaches out to a
sure supply. He need not beg, but he does. His whole being craves his God like
a thirsty man in a dry land. The language and imagery is graphic and colorful.
Maybe this morning you
are remembering the days of old. If so, focus on God’s marvelous rescue and
supply. He sees you now and knows your circumstance. His mind is toward you for
good and His hands are full. Reach out to Him in prayer.
Jer 29:10
11 For I know the
thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts
of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Lord, let me remember your good works toward me. AMEN
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