The problem with smartphones is that we don’t memorize phone numbers. Well, I don’t and I feel like I should. I rely on the ‘system’ to hold the information for me. That’s all well and good except when I might need to contact someone in an emergency and I don’t have my phone on me or the battery has died.
Sometimes we treat God’s goodness like a digital contact, too. We know it’s there, but we haven’t committed his track record to our hearts. When the crisis arises, we need to have his faithfulness memorized so we don’t panic and fall apart.
In the middle of a panic-filled moment, fear has a way of making us numb and have short memories—with phone numbers or with God. When a new problem arrives, we often react as if God has never come through for us before. But throughout the Bible, we are reminded to remember.Â
Remembering is a vital part of faith. When we look back at the ways God has shown love, protection, and rescue in the past, it gives us the security to trust him with our future. Just as we build a solid foundation of faith, we also need to keep a track record of God’s goodness.
God told the Israelites to remember how he had delivered them from Egypt (Deuteronomy 24:18). Esther and Mordecai declared a two-day annual feast to remember how God had saved his people (Esther 9:20). Jacob built a memorial to God who had met him in his distress (Genesis 35:1-14). David encouraged himself in the goodness of God when others threatened to take his life (1 Samuel 30:6).
If you are feeling fearful today, stop and recall one specific time God provided for you in the past. Writing it down makes it a “memorial stone” you can look at when the ground starts to feel shaky again. Share it with other people so it gives you the courage to stand strong in whatever you are facing today.
Share below what God has done for you, to encourage other readers.
An Unstoppable Life is fueled by remembering God’s faithfulness instead of fearing a temporary crisis
A Prayer of Remembrance
Heavenly Father, thank you for your track record of goodness in my life. Forgive me for how easily I forget your past rescues when I am faced with new fears. Today, I choose to remember and share how you helped me in the past. I place my current worries into your hands, knowing that you are the same God who was faithful then and is faithful now. Help me to live with a memory full of your love, compassion, and grace. Amen.
