The Good Old Days

The Good Old Days

Women Remembering The Original Temple

Read: Ezra 3:12; Haggai 2:1-9

She pulled a photo album from the bookcase and began listlessly turning the pages. The memories flooded her mind as she looked at the pictures that chronicled her marriage, her growing family, vacation trips, and frequent parties. Gazing at pictures of her former spacious home with its sprawling gardens and patios made her look around her small apartment in disgust. The albums only showed her what she no longer possessed. Her husband was long gone, the children grown and moved away. Once again she began her day by longing for the good old days.

Some of the Israelite women who watched the rebuilding of the Temple had similar feelings. Many people rejoiced to see progress being made, but the ones who remembered the original Temple wept aloud. The new version didn’t compare to the riches and splendor of Solomon’s Temple, which had been destroyed more than sixty years earlier. God understood their feelings of deep disappointment and discouragement, and he reminded them that he would always be with them, just as in former times. Looking ahead to Christ’s reign, he promised that “the future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory” (Haggai 2:9).

When it seems that we have lost the things that gave our lives meaning, it’s easy to fall into the trap of dwelling on “the good old days.” Looking back at what we’ve lost makes us feel like weeping aloud. This comparison can plunge us into discouragement or depression and trick us into believing that our lives are no longer worthwhile. However, if we belong to God, he has a purpose for every stage of our lives. Focusing on God’s love and mercy takes our minds off dissatisfaction with our circumstances. As long as we make it our first priority to seek and obey God, all the stages of our lives will be “good old days.”

My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be. . . . Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!

Psalm 42:4-5