Remembering

Are you ready for some good news?

When you rehearse God’s presence in the past, you’ll find fresh faith for today!

Americans are celebrating Memorial Day today. It’s the practice of gratitude in memory of soldiers who have died defending our freedom. This year, amidst the global pandemic, activating memory is more important than ever. It’s important in natural life, and it’s important in spiritual life.

Facing the adversities of a global pandemic takes faith. Throughout my Christian life, I’ve heard people urge, “You ought to have more faith.” But I didn’t know how. I wanted to have more faith. I was willing to try harder to have more faith. But how do we actually build our faith?

Years ago, as I was reading the Passover story, an exhortation leapt off the page. “Then Moses said to the people, ‘Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt …’” (Exodus 13:3, ESV).

The Lord had a clear reason in mind: “And it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes ….” (Exodus 13:9, ESV)

Remember. Commemorate. Do not forget. When I searched the scriptures with fresh eyes, I realized that the command was everywhere:

“You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.” (Deuteronomy 5:15, ESV)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,” (Psalm 103:2, ESV)

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. ….” (Revelation 2:5, ESV)

The principle of remembering God became the subject of one of my books, God Moments, and became a lasting pillar of my spiritual life. The key to building your faith today is remembering what God did yesterday. If you want to have the best Memorial Day ever, remember those that died for your freedom on the battlefields and then turn your heart heavenward and remember the One who died in your place on the cross. God has always been there, and the more you rehearse God’s goodness in your past, the more your faith will grow today. And that’s the Gospel!