“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.” (Psalm 143:5, English Standard Version)
Have you ever forgotten a name? Or walked into a room only to forget why you came? We all have memory lapses—and all aren’t age related. Forgetfulness can be caused by lack of sleep, certain medications, stress, or a medical condition. Perhaps one of the most frequent reasons we forget is we are human and it’s a natural tendency. Life gets busy and memories slip away.
Genesis 28 tells the story of Jacob leaving home and traveling to his mother’s family in Padanaram. As he lay sleeping that night, using stones for a pillow, God revealed Himself to Jacob in a dream. When Jacob woke, he realized God had met him in that place. To commemorate his experience, he set up a stone of remembrance.
“So early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it” (verse 18, ESV).
Someone once said, “Memories are special moments that tell our story.” Jacob did not want to forget this moment with God, and so he set up a pillar of remembrance. What story do we have to tell? We may not use stones as Jacob did, but we need to preserve those stories for the next generation. We may use pen and paper, a computer, or even video to preserve our stories of God’s blessings. You may ask, so what do I tell? Here are just a few of the things to record on your “memory stone.”
- Answered prayers
- Your salvation experience
- Past victories
- Lessons learned through trials
- Special healings
- Stories of special people who helped you grow in your faith
- Stories your parents and others shared with you
Recently I sat down and wrote out some of the experiences I had heard my parents relate as I was growing up. So many other questions I wish I’d asked before they passed away. Who witnessed to my father and how old was he when he found God? Did he struggle to believe or was it an instant revelation? What did his non-believing family think of his experience? So many stories remain untold, memories lost to following generations.
It is important we remember the many ways God has touched our lives.
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children” (Deuteronomy 4:9, ESV).
In Luke 19:40 Jesus said if we keep quiet—don’t tell our story as praise to God—the stones will cry out. I don’t want that to happen. Never forget the many times God answered your prayers, healed your body, and brought you through deep trials. Consider ways to make your own “remembrance stone.” Commemorate God’s faithfulness in your life.
Lord, I never want to forget the many times You supplied my needs, came to my rescue, and spoke peace into my heart. I can never forget the day you filled me with Your Spirit and set me on a new path. Thank You for Your love and faithfulness.
We send greetings to our Canadian friends as they celebrate Thanksgiving Day.
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