Remember is used 352 times in the scriptures. But memory is strange. There are moments I’d rather not recall, such as a foolish remark or decision that wounded my pride or, worse, hurt someone else. On the other hand, there are cherished memories I’d give anything to hold onto forever, baking cookies with my Grandmother, grad-school graduation night, or that last truck ride with my dad. Much like a stray cat, memory tends to wander in and out on its own whim.
Recognizing our tendency to forget, God incorporated the act of remembering into a way of life for His people. Keeping the Sabbath holy reminds us of our dependence on God. Coming together to the table of communion invites us to remember Jesus’ broken body and shed blood. Christmas calls us to remember the birth of Jesus, Immanuel – God with us. And on Resurrection Sunday, we rejoice in Christ’s victory over sin and death. Memory is a gift from God, one we must choose to use, lest we forget and become wandering strays seeking refuge in fear and rejection, feasting on the lies of our adversary.
Our faith is strengthened when we choose to remember God’s past faithfulness. By remembering who He is and what He has done, we stand confident in who we are and what we are called to do. Today, take some time and choose to remember. What about God do you need to remember? Who is He? (Father, Creator, Provider, Protector, Powerful, Loving, Merciful, Shelter). What has God done for you, your family, your community, or fellow followers of Jesus? This past week? Past month? Past year? Past decade? Past century?