"Remember how the LORD your God has blessed you in everything that you have done. He has taken care of you as you wandered through this vast desert. He has been with you these forty years, and you have had everything you needed.” Deuteronomy 2:7
Redondo Beach, WA
Remembrance; long word, seemingly simple meaning, BIG impact. “To remember, recall” is what the dictionary says. I think it has a deeper meaning.
I have a great memory...for certain things. I can remember what someone was wearing the night I met them, favorite colors, favorite meals, what things people are allergic to, and can put an entire year’s social calendar in my head. But, can I remember God’s provisions when I am in despair? Can I “recall, remember” his promises and blessings when I am angry or confused? Not usually - unless I make a conscience decision.
Steven Curtis Chapman speaks about it in the song “Remember your Chains” - basically remember where you were before God redeemed you. Remember your state of mind, your situation, your problems, your outlook – remember your hopelessness, despair and unhappiness. I forget what a self-centered, self-serving individual I was before God cleaned me up. I forget my main goal in life was me, me, and me before Christ entered my life.
Remembering not only where you came from but the actions God has taken in your life is also crucial. When I am unable to see where my life is headed I remember what he has brought me through. I recall what he has done in the past and declare it as hope for the future: He has provided in the past; he will provide in the future. He has come through in the past; he will come through in the future. When I take time to reflect on the grace, mercy, and love he has shown me bad, impossible situations change. If God can do ____, he can fix _____.
How do we aid remembrance? I wish I could say that I kept a journal of all of the cool things God has done in my life - I don’t, but I have pictures of those situations, mementos, and memories. When I review theses I am given hope which leads to faith. I also play the alphabet game. When things get a bit grey, the mist of uncertainty swells I start with “A” and go through “Z” listing all the great things about God – Abundant, Benevolent, Caring, Daring, Eternal, Faithful, Gentle, Heroic, Instant, Just, Kind, Loving, Meaningful, Never-dull, Opulent, Pursuing, Quiet, Restful, Standard, Trustworthy, Unusual, Victorious, Wonderful, X-traordinary, Zoe; sometimes it takes two to three rounds before the swirling haze and fog lift.
If you are still “haze fighting” start sharing stories of God’s goodness. It will help your faith and will boost the belief of others. One of your friends may have the story you need to get you through a situation. I have a girlfriend who married for the first time at 42 - to a God-fearing man; this gives me hope.
Where are you without hope? Where are you without vision? What has God done in and through your life, or the lives of your friends, which can bring you hope? What methods of remembrance can you use to boost your faith?
Updates:
Travel – I’m in Seattle and wearing long underwear; it is cold here (either that or I am fully Californian-ized and a now a cold wimp)!
Personal – Thank you to my generous donor who sent money for a new camera… I purchased one on Monday and used it for the first time today (and am giggling with delight!).
Health – Cold is gone (well mostly) but I am feeling SO much better!
Requests:
Work – We are having our annual planning meeting starting January 4th – prayer for a fruitful time of hearing what God wants us to do in 2012 would be appreciated!
Personal – for a restful time at home with my family, and ability to visit who God wants me to, and to read several books!
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