Our evenings in Colorado have blessed us with beautiful outdoor weather to enjoy. Morning coffee on the back porch swing, lunch on the patio and open windows at night are just a few luxuries I have enjoyed over the past week.

Before falling asleep one night last week, the only sound to be heard was that of a cricket. I was instantly taken back to my childhood. I was once again at my grandparent’s farm. The only sound to be heard was that of the lonely crickets and frogs. I found comfort in the memory.

Earlier in the evening my husband told me of the earliest computers they used in the power industry. A few buttons and switches and of the antiquated system. He reminisced of a time when they worked without full knowledge of all that was happening in the field. Of simpler times.

Memories. Some are comforting. Some are amusing. Some are frightening. Some are clear while others are faint. Some memories are important and others just plain silly. Regardless of the memory, each memory does one thing. It provides the possibility of remembering something from our past that has had an impact upon our lives.

I wonder what memories Adam and Eve thought of when they were removed from the Garden of Eden. Would they have thought about the intimate relationship with God that they had given up because of their sin? Would they have asked “what if?”

There are plenty other biblical characters who had time to recall memories of their past. Great men of faith like Jacob, Joseph and Daniel. I suspect Jonah had a few of his own memories flooding his mind while in the belly of the whale.

This line of thought doesn’t stop with the Old Testament either. The apostles certainly remember Jesus’ words and actions during the three days He was in the tomb. Perhaps Paul anguished over his actions before he was a servant of Jesus. And I just wonder what memories Jesus had of being with His Father before He visited us on earth. Now those would be memories to hear!

Why do you suppose God formed mankind with the ability to recall memories or to remember things? I believe it’s because God’s greatest desire is for man to remember Him.

In Deuteronomy 8, we see an entire chapter given to Israel about remembrance. It’s titled “Do Not Forget the Lord.” God is asking them to recall their memories of God’s goodness and deliverance.

Do you recall Joshua’s words to the Hebrew nation after they had crossed the Jordan River? He asked them to choose twelve stones from the river and make marker. “In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” (Joshua 4:6-7 – NIV) They were creating a memory of how God helped them during this time.

Jesus created a memory for the disciples and for us as well when He took the bread and cup in Luke 22. As Jesus shared these last moments with the disciples before His death, He wanted them to remember. To give them and us a memory. “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” (Luke 22:19 – NIV)

King David wrote often of his memories of God. Not just what He remembered but where and when he remembered. Day or night. In good times and bad times. Look at a few of these passages: Psalm 42:6; Psalm 63:6; Psalm 77; Psalm 119:52; Psalm 119:55; and Psalm 143:5.

But like so many of us, sometimes David forgot. Sin by its very nature separates us from God. It’s in these moments that we must be reminded of God’s goodness and grace. How blessed we are to have words of remembrance in the Bible that will help us to recall the memories of Jesus’ sacrifice for our salvation!

Perhaps there are memories you’d like to forget. Sins from your past that continue to haunt you. If you’ve asked God to forgive you, He has long forgotten those sins (Isaiah 43:25). Maybe it’s time for you to forget them as well.

I love walking down memory lane. I guess that’s why I love writing so much. I pray that your memories are as wonderful as some of mine. I’d love to hear about some of your memories. Care to share?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna