Remembering the Past

“Looking back over your life, I am sure you have some precious memories of people, experiences, and places which greatly impacted you. Perhaps reading or hearing stories about your forefathers’ adventures stirs a new appreciation for where you are now. The Israelites were asked to remember their history. Their past was celebrated and recounted to successive generations. Memories connect our past with our present, joining yesterday with today and the future.1 When recalling a few happy memories, I am always mindful of God’s faithfulness in helping me fulfill my destiny. That’s why I take opportunities from time to time, especially at the holidays, to recount to my grandchildren some of my special childhood memories—so they can pass them on to the next generation. I wonder what wonders my descendants will experience.2 (Quin Sherrer)3

“Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name.” (Malachi 3:16; ESV)

Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:

  • It is often at Christmas that our hearts drift to memories filled with family and dear friends. Consider your favorite Christmas memory. Intercede for those still living who may have been a part of that precious time.
  • Call to mind a challenging holiday season. What were things you may have learned about the Lord through that hard time? Write those lessons down and worship Him!
  • Pray for others that may be having a hard time this Christmas. If you can practically meet their need, this would be a good time to do so. Let the next generation join you, if possible and recount your story along the way.
  • Make an effort to share your story with a younger member of your family, passing on your love of and commitment to Christ.

A prayer you can pray:

Lord, at this Christmas season, my heart often drifts to memories of Christmases past. Some of those memories are rich with joy and some are painful. I pray that all bring to remembrance ways You were involved – stories I can pass along to the generations behind me. I want to tell them of Your goodness, Your faithfulness, and Your love. Where the memories are warm, I pray for those that are still living who were a part of the joy. Bless them and draw them close to You. Where the memories are painful, I worship You, for You have brought me through. God, You are so good to me! Be good to my children and grandchildren, my close friends and those connected to my life in some way. May the richest blessings of Christmas come to each and every one, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today’s decree:

I will tell of Your wondrous deeds to my children and grandchildren, creating an altar of remembrance in my family line!

1 Sherrer, Quin, Cast Your Shadow: Influence on Purpose. (USA 2018), 165. Available on Amazon.

2 Sherrer, Cast Your Shadow: Influence on Purpose, 165.

3 Quin Sherrer is the co-author of A Woman’s Guide to Spiritual Warfare and 29 other books, which are available on Amazon. Quin can be contacted by writing to her at P.O. Box 1661, Niceville, FL, 32588.