Frank’s Battle With the Past: How Ecclesiastes 7:10 Teaches Us Not to Long for the Old Days

Frank Wible
Oct 2
3 min read

Frank sat in his recliner late at night scrolling through old photos on his phone. Pictures of vacations, parties, and expensive dinners filled the screen. His chest tightened as he whispered to himself, “Those were the days.”

Frank often found himself lost in memories of the old days, believing happiness had been left behind with success.

There was a time when money was never a concern. His business had flourished, and with it came a lifestyle many envied. He remembered the freedom of buying what he wanted without thinking, of traveling to places most people only dream of.

But those days were gone. His company collapsed during a downturn, and now he worked long hours just to keep the lights on. He knew Ecclesiastes 7:10 warned him not to long for the old days, but his heart often wandered there.

Sometimes at church, he struggled to sing songs about joy in the Lord because part of him still believed he had been happier back then. It wasn’t just the wealth, it was the pride and security he thought money gave him.

One evening, his pastor shared Ecclesiastes 7:10 in a sermon. Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. The verse struck Frank like a blow to the chest. He realized he had been feeding nostalgia instead of trusting God.

The next week, Frank started journaling about the blessings of the present. At first, it felt forced. He wrote about his wife’s patience, his kids’ laughter, and even the steady paycheck he now had. Slowly, gratitude began to change his perspective.

Still, the temptation to look back returned often. When bills piled up, he remembered the days when paying them wasn’t even a thought. But in those moments, he prayed, “Lord, help me see the value of today. Keep me from idolizing the past.”

God began answering that prayer. Conversations with his children reminded him of how much they valued his presence more than his money. His wife told him she loved him more now than when life was easy, because they had learned to lean on God together.

In the warmth of his family, Frank discovered blessings money could never buy—love, presence, and faith.

Frank realized that wealth had given him comfort, but struggle had given him depth. The old days made him proud; today was making him humble. The old days gave him control; today forced him to trust God’s control.

One Sunday, while praying in church, Frank whispered, “Thank You for today, Lord.” For the first time, he truly meant it. He understood that longing for the past kept him from seeing God’s goodness right in front of him. His journey wasn’t about denying the memories but about learning that wisdom comes from embracing the present. God was not done with him, He was shaping him into a man who relied on faith, not fortune.

Frank began to share his testimony with other men. “Stop chasing the old days,” he told them. “They weren’t as good as you think. God is at work today. Don’t miss Him by living in yesterday.”

With time, Frank’s heart softened. The memories no longer brought only grief but also gratitude. He could thank God for those seasons while trusting Him for what was ahead.

The truth of Ecclesiastes 7:10 settled deep in his soul: wisdom is not found in longing for the old days but in walking faithfully with God in the present.

Frank’s story is proof that when men surrender their nostalgia to God, He replaces it with peace for today and hope for tomorrow.

What is hardest about letting go of the old days?