The Gifts of Memory
Time for us travels in only one direction, such that once a moment is past it’s gone forever. While this helps us deal with life’s challenges (“time heals all wounds”) we can also experience a strong sense of loss and even grief as we pass through the joyous times of life. Lest we despair, God has given us “a future and a hope” (Jer 29:11), He’s given us the gift of memory. We’ll talk about our tendency to forget, both the good and the bad, and why God so often commanded the Israelites to “remember” in the Old testament. We’ll explore how memories can make a positive difference in our lives and bring us closer to Him.
Read John 7:37-38, John 10:7-10. From what Jesus Himself said, why did he come to Earth?
Read John 15:5-10. Jesus makes a number of “conditional” statements (i.e., If THIS, then THAT). What are these conditional statements? How might these be related to the verses above?
Read Jeremiah 17:5-8. There’s a clear contrast presented here. How does this contrast relate to the conditional statements Jesus made?
Read Joshua 4. How did God provide for Israel that day? What did God command the Israelites to do with stones that day? Why?
Take a minute to recall a wonderful experience you’ve had in the past. Dwell on the details. Who was with you? What was the weather like that day? What were the sights and smells you experienced? As you recall this memory, know that God set up this experience specifically for you! Spend a few minutes thanking Him for this gift to you.
Use your memory to think of something or someone you love. This could be a person (e.g., friend, spouse, parents, children) or even your favorite dog! It could also be a place, like your favorite spot in your back yard or somewhere you’ve visited. Dwell on this memory. Think about the details of the person, place or thing that you love and spend a few minutes thanking God for them.
Read Philippians 4:8. We’re called to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, or lovely. By using our memory to recall our wonderful experiences or the things we love, we can use the opportunity to thank God for them, and in doing so grow closer to Him.
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