What we've seen the Lord do in the past, propels our faith about what He'll do in the future
There's a game I play with my kids on the rare evenings when we all sit down and eat dinner together. Suggested by a friend, we take turns and share the "highlights" and "lowlights" from our day. And at the end of the sharing time, we also each say how we saw God work in our lives. While my kids are still at the age of being repetitive with their answers (I got to play with so-and-so or I didn't get to play with so-and-so) the practice of remembering is the ultimate goal.
These few minutes allow me to have crucial glimpses into my children's lives. I learn nuggets of information that help me know how to instruct, guide conversation, ask questions, and I gain fuel that powers my prayer time. But even more importantly, the game has become a way of helping us identify and remember God's hand and movement in our lives.
The Old Testament is full of stories about when God has Israel remember. An example is found in Deuteronomy 3:21-22 "...saying, 'Your eyes have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings; so will the Lord do to all the kingdoms through which you pass. You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you.'"
Just like Israel, we face situations that cause discouragement, fear, and frustration. We encounter "giants", obstacles, and pitfalls. However, we have a God who wants us to remember. He wants us to remember the valleys He has walked us through, the rivers we have waded together, and the mountains He has moved. When I hit the pause button on my life and recall where I've been and what God has done, my perspective about what I may be facing drastically changes. Suddenly, instead of narrowly focusing on the problem, I'm persuaded to examine the possibilities.
This practice of recall teaches me that sometimes looking behind is the best way to move forward. Remembering what God has done causes me to be excited about going further. In fact, I gain strength and confidence to face what may still be in front of me because I know I'm not alone and I have a God who is actively involved in my life. This is exactly the Lord's intention and why He directed Israel to remember all that He had done in the past for them.
I encourage you to take a few moments and write down just five things you remember about what God has done for you. They may seem small but they are not insignificant. It blesses God when we remember how He has moved on our behalf. And our faith is built up knowing He will do it again in the future.
BTW- here's a great summer family project: Write your family's own Book of Remembrance. Purchase a journal from your local Walmart or Target and label it "Book of Remembrance". For families with young children, appoint someone older in the family to be the "recorder" and throughout the summer take turns filling in the journal pages about memories of what God has done. This can be done during a specific meal time or one evening a week (instead of watching tv reruns). For families with older children, leave the journal in a common place (next to kitchen table, living room desk, etc.) and encourage everyone to write in it as often as possible. But it's still important to review the journal entries together at least once a week.
At the end of each session, spend time thanking God for what He has done. Praise Him for his Faithfulness and Goodness. This is also an appropriate time to lift up any petitions or prayer requests. (Philippians 4:6-7)
(If you decide to do this, please let me know- I'd love to hear what God does for you)
Further encouragement:
Isaiah 43: 2- "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you."
Hebrews 13:8- "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Psalms 103
Hebrews 11
Posts
