Have you ever wondered why we take photographs and write journals? It’s to help us remember – capturing imaging and putting down our thoughts reemphasizes special times and lessons learned.
Really, that’s what the Bible is; history of God’s goodness, provision, protection and love.
This morning my prayer time started as if always does, thanking the Father for His goodness, mercy and grace. Seeking his direction and trusting Him for wisdom. Then I picked up my Bible and began to read. I read systematically through the Psalms and this morning I came to Psalm 143; I remember the first time I read it seeking direction.
We had just started the cowboy ministry and we were needing direction of what ranches and rodeos to attend, we needed to make good use of our limited resources. We needed to make the right choices and also needed to avoid any wasted time or finances.
“ Hear my prayer, O Lord. Listen when I ask for help. Answer me because You are faithful and right…5 I remember the days long ago. I think about all You have done. I think about the work of Your hands. 6 I put out my hands to You. My soul is thirsty for You like a dry land.
7 Hurry to answer me, O Lord! My spirit is becoming weak! Do not hide Your face from me, or I will become like those who go down to the grave. 8 Let me hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for I trust in You. Teach me the way I should go for I lift up my soul to You. 9 O Lord, take me away from those who hate me. I run to You to be safe.
10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Let Your good Spirit lead me on a straight path. 11 Give me new life, O Lord, because of Your name. Bring me out of trouble because You are right and good. 12 In Your loving-kindness cut off those who hate me. Destroy all those who make it hard for my soul, for I am Your servant.” Psalm 143 NLV
Each day we have decisions to make, each day we should be remembering all that the Lord has done for us and follow His lead. He will teach us the way to go when we lift our hearts to Him.
“Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 AMPC
I remember those early days of seeking direction and wisdom. I remember the peace that God would bring when we made the right decisions, I also remember the times of turmoil in my soul when I got off course.
Memory Lessons provide us with instruction and guidance. May I encourage you to sit a while with your memories today. Let the Lord use the past to give you direction for today.