Memory - it's that precious gift that we so often take for granted. It became all too real to me and my family as we watched our mother disappear as the ravages of Alzheimer disease consumed her. Sadly the disease took her memory from her and, in turn, she was taken from us.

God has given us memory. Admittedly there are those things we would prefer to forget. Scripture does teach us however that remembering is the gateway to a growing and maturing relationship with God. Repeatedly in the Bible, He allows us to listen in on conversations by those who are remembering and who are being reminded.

Abraham remembers the Lord’s words of promise about giving His people a land of their own and it encouraged his present situation. Genesis 24:7

The Israelite nation was told to remember the things they witnessed from the Lord. Why? So they would be confident in their knowledge of who God is! Deuteronomy 4:35

 Remembering those times when God has amazingly provided for us builds a trust in the present that is not easily shaken.

Remembering that Jesus offered himself up as the perfect sacrifice for our sins allows us to live our present in freedom from fear while anticipating eternity. John 10:18

Remembering leads to joy-filled and heart-felt worship of our God we know and trust.

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11

This week, what Scripture verse will you commit to memory? What past mercies of God will you remember? And then, how will you allow these memories to encourage your present and future?