No one was ever elected president by promising a return to the “good old days.” Inaugural addresses tend to be overwhelmingly forward-looking. John F. Kennedy proclaimed that “the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.” Richard Nixon said that his administration represented a “new beginning.” George H.W. Bush said a “new breeze blows” when he was elected, and Bill Clinton talked about vision and courage to “reinvent America.” Is it ever really helpful to dwell on the past?

Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored! Renew our days as of old—

Lamentations 5:21

The answer is yes. The writer of Lamentations – likely the prophet Jeremiah – found it fruitful to look back and examine what had gone wrong in his nation. After King Nebuchadnezzar crushed the Kingdom of Judah, he exiled her citizens to Babylon. Now, as Jerusalem lay in ruins, the Jews were remembering the “good old days,” and they realized those days were good because they had walked with the Lord, followed His Will, and enjoyed His protection.

Will America soon be in ruins, its citizens remembering better times? Today, pray that your leaders will understand the key to the future are these words: “Restore us to yourself, O Lord.”

Recommended Reading: Jeremiah 2:1-9