Forgetting leads to fear.
Recent events in our culture bring with them a feeling of uncertainty. They can make us unsettled, fearful, and anxious. Watching the news can make it seem like chaos has taken over. The feelings that threaten to overwhelm our hearts and minds can look like truth from the outside.
It’s a challenging season.
What is the right thing to say? How can I minister to both those in my world and those I don’t even know? It can truly feel like we stepped off the deep end and we’re still falling. From pandemics to protests, I look at the world around me and simply want to fix it all. I want to do away with the uncertainty, smooth the fears, comfort the brokenhearted, encourage the faithful.
Truthfully, taking steps forward in today’s time takes courage. Living out our faith in a world that seems to have lost theirs seems a bit more than I have the strength to do.
Amazingly enough, God knew this season would come. All the chaos and heartache are no surprise to Him. As is his standard practice, I have no doubt he has a plan for his glory – even if I can’t see it.
The Israelites knew seasons like this well. From slavery in Egypt to exile in Persia, they, as a nation, walked through some significantly trying times. In those seasons, though, God was drawing them back to him. He gave them leaders and prophets, but he gave them another gift as well – remembering.
From seasons and festivals like Passover to the building of altars and temples/tabernacles, the Lord calls his people to remember – and to practice remembering over and over. Whether life was easy or challenging, God called his people to practice remembering and then to worship – because remembering truly does bring us all to a place of humility and gratitude to a God who loves us.
How to REMEMBER:
- You know that journal you keep? Read it.
- That PCS move? That friend? Make a list of God’s faithfulness to you.
- Tell someone. Share. Say it out loud. Your story will also grow courage in others.
- Study. Open your Bible and read the stories of God’s faithfulness since time began.
- Sing. Hymns, choruses, songs. With the radio, your church, or your kids. Just sing.
- Talk to Jesus. Have a conversation – and listen.
- Do you feel the peace, strength, and courage being poured into you again? Worship.
Remember. Worship.
It’s here the Lord grows courage in us again.
Remember the fear that threatened to overtake us? The worry that laid heavy on our soul? The uncertainty that loomed on the horizon?
At the foot of the cross, we find hope, courage, strength, and peace.
Here we find Jesus. Here we take one more step in obedience and trust the God who loves us.
He is our only hope.
No matter what the world looks like today, fix your eyes on the One that never changes. Listen to his voice then step out in obedience and courage.
We can make a difference in the world because HE made a difference in us.
Practice remembering.
For other posts on remembering, you can see check out posts on my website HERE or check out my posts at Planting Roots HERE. It’s like it’s a theme. 🙂
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