Harvard professor Daniel L. Schacter talks about the moments of the past and how they shape us. "Memory is a central part of the brain's attempt to make sense of experience and to tell coherant stories about it. These tales are all we have of our pasts, and so they are potent determinants of how we view ourselves and what we do. Yet our stories are built from snippets of what actually happened, thoughts about what might have happened, and beliefs that guide us as we attempt to remember. Our memories are fragile but powerful products of what we recall from the past, believe about the present, and imagine about the future.
Throughout the bible we are exhorted to remember the past. The Israelites were to remember how God freed them from Egypt. The church is to remember Jesus and the way he freed us from slavery to sin. We are to remember Christ's life as an example to follow. There's much more. Part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to help us remember. And when the two disciples encountered Jesus on the Emmaus Road, His primary purpose was to remind them of things they had forgotten.
The deeds and words of the past are in our memories for a purpose and those things can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how we view them.
Faith that God is sovereign is an essential lens in viewing the past. Joseph looked at the hard things He faced through God's eyes and was able to say, "You meant this for evil, but God meant it for good...." ...A much better perspective than through his own narrow view.
Forgiveness is the other lens necessary in viewing the past. Joseph could have believed in the sovereignty of God, yet still punished his brothers. But he didn't! He knew it was all God's work and assured his brothers that they need not be afraid, but rather comforted them. Forgiveness freed him from being enslaved to the past and guarded him from bitterness, giving opportunity for restored relatonship with them.
Faith, Forgiveness and finally gratitude.... Good things happened in the past too! They are to be remembered. Psalm 103 says: "Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all of His benefits!" Good things said and done in the past can be understood for what they really were, precious gifts that helped us become the people we are today.
Begin remembering and viewing your past through His eyes. That alone, will have a profound impact on how you move ahead to the bright future God has in store for you!
From "Reflections on Your Life" by Ken Gire
Blessings,
Mitch
