As we near the end of this year there is another discipline in which we should engage. Look at Ephesians 2:11 – 12 (here @ Bible Gateway). Note that the word “remember” is repeated in both verses. Repetition is one of the literary devices that gives us a clue as to what is important.
It is important that we remember, review, what God has done in our lives. We tend to forget and forget quickly. If you have read the Old Testament, you will know that is not a unique or recent problem for those who follow the Lord.
For instance, consider Joshua 24:1 – 13 (here @ Bible Gateway). Here Joshua reminds Israel what the Lord has done for them. But then look at Judges 2:7, 10 – 11 (here @ Bible Gateway). In a relatively short time, Israel forgot. When they forgot, they turned away from God. That sequence, reminder, remember, forget is repeated over and over not only in Judges but also in 1 and 2 Kings (here @ Bible Gateway) and 1 and 2 Chronicles (here @ Bible Gateway).
It is not a new challenge.
It seems to be something that we need to continually battle. Other places in this blog I have recommended journaling (in 57 posts, type journal in the search box to the top right of this post or click the tag journal below to see some of those if you wish). That is a discipline which, if one chooses to engage, helps one to remember what God has done. In fact, much of this blog begins with a review of my journals.
It does not have to be complicated. Simply during your quiet time, or some other regular time, jot down the date, record what the Lord is doing. It may be passages that He has taken you through. Note those and what you learned. Or it could be a life event and what you were thinking and learned. Or it may be a prayer you record. Some or all. Do what fits you.
Then on a regular basis, turn back to earlier pages or volumes, and review what the Lord has done. You will be encouraged.
It is important that we remember, review, what God has done in our lives. We tend to forget and forget quickly. If you have read the Old Testament, you will know that is not a unique or recent problem for those who follow the Lord.
For instance, consider Joshua 24:1 – 13 (here @ Bible Gateway). Here Joshua reminds Israel what the Lord has done for them. But then look at Judges 2:7, 10 – 11 (here @ Bible Gateway). In a relatively short time, Israel forgot. When they forgot, they turned away from God. That sequence, reminder, remember, forget is repeated over and over not only in Judges but also in 1 and 2 Kings (here @ Bible Gateway) and 1 and 2 Chronicles (here @ Bible Gateway).
It is not a new challenge.
It seems to be something that we need to continually battle. Other places in this blog I have recommended journaling (in 57 posts, type journal in the search box to the top right of this post or click the tag journal below to see some of those if you wish). That is a discipline which, if one chooses to engage, helps one to remember what God has done. In fact, much of this blog begins with a review of my journals.
It does not have to be complicated. Simply during your quiet time, or some other regular time, jot down the date, record what the Lord is doing. It may be passages that He has taken you through. Note those and what you learned. Or it could be a life event and what you were thinking and learned. Or it may be a prayer you record. Some or all. Do what fits you.
Then on a regular basis, turn back to earlier pages or volumes, and review what the Lord has done. You will be encouraged.
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