Snapshots: Making Memories With Godნიმუში

REMEMBERING WITH GOD

We easily forget who God has been to us or what He has done for us. If we look back at the stories of the Israelites, they would murmur about God’s presence right after He brought about a miraculous breakthrough like opening the Red Sea or providing them with food. The same could be said of the disciples in the New Testament. Often, we need rituals or rhythms to remind us of who God is or what He has done. In the Old Testament many of these characters built altars and named them based on what they had discovered about God or to describe what He had done for them. In the New Testament Jesus commands believers to celebrate communion as often as they can in remembrance of all He has done.

• Scripture:

Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV) – “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder on all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.”

John 14:26 (AMPC) – “But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.”

• Personal story:

We had recently moved into a new home and awoke in the middle of the night to one of our dogs having a fit. He was completely disorientated as I sat with him while my hubby got ready to rush him to the vet. Sitting with him, I felt scared alone. I found myself cry out to Jesus: ‘Where are you?’ In the same breath I heard him whisper: ‘Happy place’. For a minute I was confused, this didn’t look like a happy place at all. Those words sounded familiar. I recalled how I often said that playing with my dogs at the end of the day was my ‘happy place’. In that moment I was reminded that they would play themselves tired and then collapse in my lap. In that moment I realized that our heavenly Father was inviting me to collapse in His lap in moments when I was scared. This moment with Him built my faith and reminded me that He is with me no matter what.

• Prayer:

Father God, it is so easy to forget how You have been present in my life. You are a good Father. Thank You Holy Spirit for reminding me of breakthrough moments with You. May they build faith in me for the future. Amen.

• Practical exercise:

Create a “memory snapshot” journal entry of a time God came through for you.