Gò0dNews for Everyone
Reflections
F
by Jenice Saint
or the past few months, I’ve been thinking often
to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those
about, and with many fond memories of, my past—
things which are behind and reaching forward to those
my childhood, good times with family, experiences
things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize
and bonds with friends at school and church, etc. My
of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (NKJV). We do
thinking about the past has also become a deep longing for
need to “forget” those past memories, failures, or anything
times gone by. Perhaps it is because of my middle age, or
that tries to resurface in our lives which would distract
because things seemed much simpler and relaxed before
us from the relationship that Jesus desires to have with
the pandemic, or maybe I just want to reinforce experiences in my memory so I don't forget them. These reflections on the past can be good unless I forget to live in and enjoy my present. We should reflect and look back at all of the good things that God has done in our lives. We are blessed and God has been faithful. I can think of several “…but God” instances in my life when something terrible could have happened… but God... But for Jesus dying on the Cross and by accepting Him as my Lord and Savior at a very young age in life, I shudder to think where I might be. I didn’t deserve His grace and mercy but He gave it freely. I always want to remember His complete work on the Cross and His great love for me. Many reflections on the past can be a source of thankfulness to God. I look back at my
us today. Reflecting on old wounds or times of hurt or
childhood and fondly remember times with family, a
bad relationships can keep you locked in the past in an
good foundation in the knowledge of God from church
unhealthy way. Throw away that old baggage because it’s
and teachers, wonderful experiences participating in
not useful anymore.
Christian music at school and churches, and so many other
In this season of the year when many of us are thinking
great times in my life. For all those good times I am truly
about Christmas presents, remember that each day we are
thankful. But I also need to remind myself to live today,
given is a “present” from God—one we can unwrap and live
begin to make more memories and look forward to what
to the fullest. I will continue to reflect on my past with joy,
God will do today and in my future.
but today, in the present, this is the day that the Lord has
Some reflections on the past can also be a reminder
made. I choose to rejoice and be glad in it. Will you?
Not all memories are good ones. In Philippians 3:13-14, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Brethren, I do not count myself
56 // December 2021
About The Author
to never do certain things or go certain ways in life again. Jenice Saint is a graduate of Lee University. She sings on the praise team at Grace Community Church in Cleveland, Tennessee.
