Memory is powerful. You may have a good memory and remember what you did in the summer of 2020 (easy, you stayed indoors). On the other hand, you may have a weak memory, struggling to remember what you had for lunch yesterday. No matter the degree of your memory, some events may stand out more than others. Right?
For example, September 11th, 2001 (9/11). I was five years old, so I don’t recall the details of 9/11 when it happened, but I can remember feeling a sense of sadness every year after 2001 when 9/11 came around. I recall my elementary school teachers creating space to discuss the day’s history. I remember moments of silence and seeing many flags in different fields. I remember the density and severity of that dreadful day as a child.
Another date that may stand out in your mind is 2020. You and I can agree that years from now, when we think about our life and 2020 comes to mind, we will both think of COVID-19. However, not only does Covid come first to my mind, but also the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. 2020 is also the year that I graduated from graduate school, but due to the severity of my other memories, sometimes I forget that accomplishment. Feelings are also associated with memories, and emotions can lead us to respond to different circumstances differently.
Memory is powerful enough to impact how we go through life today. Anytime I am going through something difficult, the Lord prompts me to remember Him in times past. When I felt forgotten, he would remind me of His faithfulness. The Holy Spirit reminded me of God’s provision when finances were tight. When I experienced heartbreak, He reminded me of how He healed and comforted me in the past. When unsure of what path to take, He reminded me of His guiding hand.
In Romans 12:2, we learn that the Lord transforms us into new people by changing our thinking. In Colossians 3:2, we are instructed to set our minds on things above [heavenly things] and not things on this earth [momentary, temporal things]. Finally, in 2 Timothy 2:8, we are told to remember Jesus.
Don’t let the memories of the hard times themselves override your memories of how God lovingly brought you through those hard times. Choose to remember the many promises in God’s Word. Choose to reflect on Jesus, how He is always with you and loves you unconditionally. Immerse yourself in God’s Word to be reminded of the many promises He has just for you. And in partnership with the Holy Spirit, this is how we can get through hard times. It all starts in our mind and how we think.
