For some families, every ornament in their Christmas Tree holds a special meaning. Usually, each symbolizes milestones, places traveled, special achievement, or any happy memory that had occured the past year. And so when they look at their tree, it makes them remember moments they have gone through as a family over the years.
Followers of Jesus like us are also encouraged to treasure meaningful memories in our hearts. Life events that are not necessarily just the happy ones, but even trials we have joyfully surpassed through God’s help. We are called to focus on these as we go through our everyday lives and endure inevitable difficulties that come our way.
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.” Psalm 77:11-14
When we intentionally make ourselves remember joyous occasions in our lives, as well as the times we triumphed over adversities, we commemorate the goodness of our God. We get to remember how faithful He is to us, making us firmly hold on to Him and His promises when the going gets tough.
“You who have done great things, O God, who is like you? You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth
you will bring me up again. You will increase my greatness and comfort me again.” Psalm 71:19-21
In the Bible, Joshua, who led the Israelites in the final leg of their journey towards the Promised Land, was commanded by the Lord to erect memorial stones in the Jordan River. Through these stones, Israelites could remember God’s goodness and faithfulness, which they should tell their descendants.
“That this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ 7 Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:6-7
Living in today’s world, it is best to focus on making meaningful memories with loved ones. Unlike tangible things that could vanish in a snap of a finger, joyful and triumphant moments will linger in the hearts of our loved ones, and people whose lives we have touched long after we have said our last goodbyes. It makes a lasting impact that inspire them to stay faithful to the Lord amid difficulties.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
These memories need not to be grand, or make us spend a lavish amount of money. These are everyday moments, and family traditions that our loved ones could recall and retell their own children in the future. Like Joshua’s stones, we can also share our testimony to our children on how God has been faithful to us when since our younger years.
And so, let us be conscious of making every day count. Spending time with loved ones, and pursuing the Lord with them, may seem like a simple everyday thing, but when the kids look back at how we have raised them, we in effect give them an example on how to raise a God-honoring family.
“The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.” Proverbs 10:7
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Psalm 71 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: What memory would you like your loved ones to hold on to about your family?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the opportunity to focus on what really matters. Please give me the grace to continue leading my children to honor and praise you. We are happy to worship you as a family. and we intend to remain this way forever. Amen.
