Stories & Memory

My oldest Caden, (who survived the first and second day of pre-school just fine)... is really interested in family stories. Before I kiss him goodnight he often wants me to tell or re-tell a family story. He'll say... "Daddy... tell me a story about you and Uncle Matt" or "tell me the story of when I ate peanut butter and you had to call the Rescue Heroes". They are typically short 3 minute vignettes about growing up or a particularly memorable experience.

I've built up a repertoire of about 12 true, family stories that we regularly tell. Sometimes a new memory pops in my mind and I introduce a new story. Each story tells a unique tale... or has its own moral... or shows how a different part of life can be explored. I like the ritual, because there is power in these stories. They are historical and at the same time Caden and I are connected to them. They bond us together not only in the moment of re-telling... but in re-experiencing... together, the memory of the past.

And it gets me thinking about the Power of Memory. Isn't it amazing how much we remember... and to think that God made us that way. God gave us memory. We remember people and places and songs and smells and experiences... some conjure up good emotions and others bad. Some memories we would like to forget... but... they are an integral part of our story.

God explains at least a couple of reasons why he embedded us with memory... the ability to remember our story. And he often encourages the people of God to remember certain things... because forgetfulness can be sinfully foolish. So here are a couple of things that God tells his people to remember...

(1) Remember how you screwed up: The people of God are prone to wander away from God and from obedience to Him. So we are commanded to remember how we and those before us did such wandering... and faced the consequences. (Deut 9:7-12)

(2) Remember how God showed up: God is constantly redeeming... and rescuing his people when they least expect it. He is constantly saving people from themselves and the consequences of their rebellious, hard-hearted stupidity. (Deut 8:17-20)

(3) Remember who you were: We are naturally natural. Not interested in God. Faithless. Following our own way. Cut off from God. Strangers and aliens to the promises of God. (Eph 2:11-12)

(4) Remember who you are: When we cast off our self-reliance and receive the obedience of Christ we become new people. We become truly... spiritually alive. We have life... new life. (Eph 2:13-16; 2 Cor 5:17)

Some might argue that this is living in the past. That would be paralysis. But our lives are a story... and memory of our mistakes and others can have a profoundly positive impact upon our future. Remembering God's grace and goodness and activity on our behalf... can empower us to press on in truth and love.... so did I tell about the time that we fed Caden peanut butter?

What do you fear?

From time to time I face fear… which in my life often stems uncertainty or doubt about the outcome of a certain situation. Fear keeps me from sleeping at night and from focusing during the day. It can be a horrible cloud that engulfs my entire world. Can anyone identify?

So how can we get out this fear funk… and where does this ugly beast come from. Well here are 3 things to consider.

A quote from David Powlison: (in Reinterpreting Life) “Sinful fears are inverted cravings. If I want to avoid something at all costs - loss of reputation, loss of control, poverty, ill health, rejection, etc. – I am ruled by lustful fear.”

This tells me that often fear that leads to worry or anxiety is at its heart sinful and therefore not necessary for a Christian. Which leads me to 2 thoughts on how I’m trying to kill fear in my life:

Trust in God’s Presence: I need to realize that God is right here with me in this situation, and therefore why should I fear a person or situation which is smaller than Him. I’ve been encouraged by the story of Joseph (Gen 37-50) where we constantly reminded that whether David was in the pit or in the palace that “the Lord was with him”.

“When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust.
I shall not be afraid,
what can flesh do to me.”
Psalm 56:34

When I realize that God is with me in the situation… it turns my focus ON Him and OFF the scariness of the uncertainty and doubt.

Trust in God’s Provision: I also need to realize that God will provide all of my needs… maybe not my wants, but my needs. As a good Father, he wants the best for me and when I put my trust in his provision he reduces my fear.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD,
and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8

I can get almost physically sick with fear… uncertainty… doubt… anxiety… worry. But if I can truly trust in God’s provision… with all my heart… even when I don’t understand. He can deliver me from fear and fearful feelings. He can. I’m just taking him at his word. Peace in fearful situations is a battle for me… I’ll be honest. But I’m fighting it with trusting more in God’s presence and God’s provision.

Doubt

We excitedly started sharing the news with some friends last weekend. And don't you know it but everyone had a story about someone who had received the same news and it turned up being wrong.

So as the night wore on my wife's excitement slowly turned into doubt. It crept up like a storm cloud.... slowly.

Maybe they were right.

Maybe the doctor was wrong.

maybe.... maybe... maybe....

And the doubt stole her joy. Doubt can really have a devastating effect, can't it. It leads some to apathy... "I can't control the outcome so I won't do anything." It leads some to despair... "If this won't come true, then I can't go on." It leads some to control... "I will make this outcome happen, or die trying." How should we respond to doubt?

May I suggest to dependence upon God to control the things that we can't. This attitude says "God I'm not in control... you are. Here is what I want... but I'll accept what you give me." Jesus taught us to pray this way... Matt 6:9-13.

So how did we respond?... we got ourselves another sono. We went back in a few days later and had another doc... take another look... and to our joy... confirm the news... we're having a girl. Thank you God.