History Repeats Itself

Ecclesiastes 1: 7-10 (NASB) “All the rivers flow into the sea, yet the sea is not full. To the place where the rivers flow, there they flow again. All things are wearisome; Man is not able to tell it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor is the ear filled with hearing. That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one might say, ‘See this, it is new’? Already it has existed for ages which were before us.”

Solomon’s writing would seem boring and mundane if it wasn’t full of truth! But, as the old saying goes, “History always repeats itself.” And according to King Solomon, that is exactly how the cycle of life continues from day to day, and year after year. I ask you; Is there any way to break it?

First, let’s get the enemy’s thought on this. If he can keep us at the cross always begging for forgiveness and feeling full of guilt, he has stopped us in our tracks. He does not necessarily need us to go backwards, just not forward. Forward means victory and abundant life. Stalling out just keeps us on the “hamster wheel” running and spinning but never gaining. He is good with that because in that condition will are of no use to anyone, including ourselves.

Now let’s look to Jesus’s own words: John 8: 36 (KJV) “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” These are not just good words. And this is not Jesus talking to hear Himself talk. These are His words of truth and life! Then why should we wallow in self-pity and guilt over mistakes or even willful disobedience. Instead, get up, shake off the dirt, and begin to walk again. We will always have sin and selfishness at our front door. They will be there until we reach eternity with Christ. Because you cannot shake off a vice is no reason to stop following Christ. Follow Him, and let the Holy Spirit deal with your vice. If you cannot love a certain enemy, keep your eyes focused on Christ and the Spirit will show you the way of love.

Too often we focus on the issues instead of our relationship with Christ. Not a good move! Keep your eyes on Christ, and not on your faults. The Spirit is here in your heart to correct those faults and to refocus you on your one priority of following Christ. Sometimes our efforts get in the way, because we are trying to be worthy of the call. Be obedient to the Word of God. Read and do! That is how we break the worthless cycle of repeating ourselves.

And as brothers and sisters in Christ, be support and truth to those who need help without being a busybody! Sometimes our good words interfere more than they help. If you are not sensitive to the ways of the Spirit, then best keep silent. Only with a tender and honest heart can we be of any help.

We are stuck in the hamster wheel. Let’s get out of it!

Amen?