How can we remember?

It seems that time has an inevitable impact on the truth. The euphoric emotion that we feel at that moment of a miracle is often tempered by the passing of years. The further we travel from that instant of divine intervention, the dimmer our recollection is. 

One of the dangers for our memories is that any fading over time also leads to distortion. The stories can get damaged, not only through doubt but sometimes by ‘over egging’ what happened. If doubt can nullify the power of a testimony of what God has done in the heart of the one who experienced it, then exaggeration can similarly nullify any impact of the story on the listener. 

One of the practical ways we can secure memories is through the use of visual prompts. The Bible is full of references to physical triggers which are created to consolidate the memory of God’s story in an individual’s life. In the Scriptures, we see many examples of stones being laid to remember a miracle or encounter with God. In Old Testament times, it was a tradition for a shepherd to make a mark on his staff every time God provided for or protected him – as he walked with his staff, he was walking with the testimonies of God, a constant reminder that God was with him. 

These physical triggers are invaluable because they can stand outside our current environment. They can provide stability and security to help us recall who God is, whatever the situation. They make hope visible in those times we cannot see. We should not limit consolidation purely to the sense of sight; smell, touch, and sound all can assist us in remembering. 

The Old Testament writers, the gospels, and the apostles’ letters all tell us of what God has done so that we may never forget. Let us in the modern day not lose the use of this invaluable methodology to capturing God's stories. 

We can control the real estate of our mind and what memories are fed into it, and the Bible shows us techniques of consolidation, whether it be immediate repetition and capture, physical triggers, or written accounts that ensure that we not only remember the right things but remember them right. These God-inspired books in the libraries of our minds can then be used to full effect guiding us through the worst storms of life.

Ideas for Reflection

1.  Here are some ways you can create physical triggers:   

• Create a memory jar.  Write down and put in it answered prayers as they happen.   
• Take a memento from a story of answered prayer – your own or someone else’s – and put it in a place you will see regularly to remind you of who God is.   
• Keep a journal and make sure you read back regularly what you have written.   
• Take a walking stick and carve symbols on it to represent God's moments in your life.

2.  Read Joshua 4. Consider some stories from your life that you believe are valuable to capture. Get 12 stones and assign to each one of them a God memory; maybe paint or write one word on them to help you recall each story.