By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Nostalgia

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“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.”
Psalm 143:5 English Standard Version

All of us have great memories from our past. Memories of happy events, warm friendships, meaningful conversations. Great memories fill us with nostalgia and a desire for “the good old days!”

In Psalm 143, when David says that he remembers the days of old, he is not just being nostalgic about the good days when he was young.  David is remembering what God had done for him and for all of Israel.

David “remembers,” or meditates, on what the Lord God did in creating the world and choosing the people of Israel as his chosen people. He ponders on God’s goodness of His promises to Abraham and to Isaac and Jacob. He remembers how God preserved His people through Joseph and how, ultimately, He rescued His people through the leadership of Moses. He remembers how God redeemed His people through the judges and guided His people through the prophets.

These are the great memories that David meditates upon and that we also meditate upon as God’s people. But more than David, we rejoice and remember that God sent His Son into the world to be our Savior. That this Anointed One suffered and died for our sins upon the cross. That this Jesus rose from the dead to give us eternal life. And that our Immanuel is still with us and His Spirit brings us to repentance and faith and works mightily among His people.

We do not just have nostalgic feelings about what God has done. But as we meditate upon God’s mighty works in our Lord Jesus Christ we are given hope and faith and love for each day. Praise be to God for His mighty works! Praise be to God for His eternal promises! Praise be to God for His mercy and love in our Lord Jesus! Amen!

Copyright Family of Faith Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado