There are so many ways that memories affect us. Sometimes they make us happy, or angry, or maybe afraid. But when our memories are based on what God has done in our lives, there is comfort and contentment. God tells us to remember and to pass those memories on to others.
My memory is definitely not as sharp as it used to be. But that doesn’t mean that it is gone – I find that it just takes a little longer for the wheels to turn, and sometimes it takes something to jog that memory.
Smells do that for me. I remember the smell of the Russian Olive trees that surrounded my Grandma Saathoff’s house, the smell of the earth when my mom was planting her garden, the heady smell of the pine trees that were so much a part of camping with the family.
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| Grandma and Grandpa Kasworm |
Smells do that for me. I remember the smell of the Russian Olive trees that surrounded my Grandma Saathoff’s house, the smell of the earth when my mom was planting her garden, the heady smell of the pine trees that were so much a part of camping with the family.
I remember the smell of my Dad when he came in from working on the car. I can’t go to a garage without that picture in my mind of his greasy hands and overalls.
Remember the good times. The Bible says to think on the "whatevers." Philippians 4:8 (NIV) says
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
More importantly, do you remember the things that God has done for you? When the Children of Israel were slaves in Egypt, God rescued them. And He told them to remember!
“Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.” Deuteronomy 5:15
God told them to Observe the Sabbath day. He was referring to what became the feast of the Passover. He wanted them to remember everything about that day when He passed over the houses of His people and rescued them from slavery. God said to observe that day. He wanted them to take some time out from their regular schedule to remember.
Do you take time out to do that? I know that as I’ve gotten older, I do have more time to remember, but what I do with my thoughts? Do I spend more time reading or watching TV or doing crossword puzzles? Now there’s nothing wrong with any of that – crossword puzzles are my choice – sharpens my brain – I think. But do I spend more time remembering what God has done for me or for the ones I love?
God didn’t tell us to just remember – He tells us to tell others about Him so that they can learn to revere, respect, and love Him. He said to tell our children – to tell the people. He told the Israelites - - “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.” Deuteronomy 4:10
God also said that if we remember, we won’t be afraid. If I remember the times that He has rescued me from my own bad choices, or if I remember the times that He has answered my prayers for help, I won’t be afraid. He told the Children of Israel. “do not be afraid . . . remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. Deuteronomy 7:18
What are you afraid of? Do you think that the God who sent the plagues on Egypt, who rescued a million people from the hands of mighty Pharaoh, and protected and provided for His people for centuries, cannot provide for and protect you? If you have fears, remember the times that God has protected and provided for you in the past. And if you can’t remember any time that happened, think of the times He protected others who loved Him.
And finally and most of all, we need to remember who God really is. He’s the rock we can stand on. He is the creator of all things. He is our Father, Redeemer and Friend.
