REMEMBER THE “Good Ole Days”?

PSALM 119:32: “I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.”

OBSERVATION: Remember the “good ole days”? Have you ever asked yourself this question.? The “good ole days” are very relative to where we find ourselves in our life’s journey. I can remember being no more than 6 or 7 years old and sitting on the front porch with my friend from across the street…talking about the “good ole days”. They were just a year or two ago! See how much our perspective influences how we view our past and present!

It seems that we have a great proficiency for looking backwards and pining for the “good ole days”. Yet, many of us never look forward and think about our final days. Paul was looking forward to the end of his life when he wrote this to young Timothy – “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (‭II Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭6-8‬ NKJV) Paul was looking forward, and his eyes were set on finishing well!

How can we be assured of finishing well in life? Many start out well and find their lives shipwrecked. It breaks my heart when I hear of couples who have been married for 30-40 years suddenly ending up in divorce. Or someone who was once radiant and serving the Lord, fall away from their devotion and finish their years in selfishness and bitterness. How can we be assured of avoiding these pitfalls? There is only one way – by running the course of God’s commandments. To live our life daily in and through the Word of God is the only way we can be assured of finishing well!

The good news is that we are not alone in this endeavor. This is not a call to “works righteousness” – but rather “righteousness with works”. There is a big difference. The former comes out of self effort and tries to please God through our unaided human strength. The latter flows from a life in the Spirit that is ever growing in a love relationship with the Lord through His Word. The Psalmist declares – “…for You enlarge my heart.” Only a heart that has been enlarged by the Grace of God has the capacity to run the course of life by the Word of God. It is Grace from start to finish – but it is Grace engaged fully, not grace taken for granted. Jesus said – “If you are my disciples you will continue in My word, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free!” Free to live! Free to finish well!

Lord, help me to look forward to the goal of the high upward call in Christ Jesus. Help me to run fully the course of Your commandments. Enlarge my heart with Your Love and Grace. Fill me anew this day with Your Holy Spirit. Give me a hunger for Your Word and Your Presence. Help me to finish well! In Jesus Name!