Times Gone By

Every New Year’s Eve, one of the most common English-speaking songs people sing is a song called “Auld Lang Syne.” Isn’t it funny how it’s possible to sing a song all your life and have no idea what it means?

It turns out that “auld lang syne” is a 17th-century Scottish song written by a man named Robert Byrns. His transcription of the words “auld lang syne” means “times gone by.” So when we sing this song, we are saying, “We’ll drink a cup of kindness yet for the times gone by.”

The other day I was thinking about this well-known song, and I began to reminisce. I got to thinking about just how awesome it must be to finally reach a place in life when you can honestly be thankful for everything. I mean everything. All the good, the bad, and the ugly. The whole shah bang! Everything that has ever had the fortune or misfortune of passing through the curtains of our lives!

I am more and more convinced, that until we truly believe God really does work out everything in conformity with the purpose of his own will, (Ephesians 1:11) we will never be ready for the next round of the growth process.

A very well-known scripture in the book of Romans says:

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28 NLT

If we count ourselves as being numbered among the “called out” ones, who also happen to be “head over heels” in love with God (which by faith, we all can be) we will soon find ourselves beginning to see things in a new and marvelous light.

It’s part of that promise given to us in Matthew:

“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light." Matthew 6:22 NLT

Then when we ultimately come to the realization that God is after one thing, and that one thing is “us” giving “Him” EVERYTHING, then (and only then) will we gladly, without hesitation, partake of that cup of kindness … yet for the times gone by!

As Dame Julian of Norwich said so well, “The fullness of joy is to behold God in everything.”

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

Copyright © Missey Butler, used by permission.