Walking Down Memory Lane

Prayer and meditation are two major spiritual disciplines.   Coupled with Bible study and daily quiet time (DQT), they are the sure methods for relating to God.  In the former, we present our requests to Him with thanksgiving and praise (Philippians 4:6-7).  In the latter, we listen for His revelation and guidance.  Through the small voice that lies within each of us, God speaks.  Moreover, in meditation, He often uses our memories to remind us of His mighty deeds in our lives.  He also utilizes moments of reflection to demonstrate how far we have grown.  A walk down memory lane usually yields consideration, compassion and forgiveness of others.

Recently, I caught myself being rather judgmental of a colleague.  In fact, I was startled by the degree of my certitude about the punishment that I determined this person deserves given his offenses to the Lord and the gospel.  As I stewed within these juices, I became frenzied with disgust.  You will recall how David burns with anger about a prosperous man who owns many lambs taking the one ewe of a poor man in 2 Samuel 12.  As I calmed down, I entered a period of meditation.  The Holy Spirit essentially slapped me “up side the head” and said, “Not you, pot!”  Then, He graciously and gently took my hand and led me down memory lane.  As we walked, I found unbelievable empathy for my colleague.  I came to realize that we are not very different in some ways.

The spiritual discipline of meditation usually leads to a walk down memory lane.  As we consider from whence we have come, we acquire the gentleness, goodness, kindness, patience and love (the fruit of the Holy Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23) to live with integrity as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.  We should find it in our hearts to resist the temptation to judge others.  Jesus says, “Judge not lest ye be judged.”  Further, he says that the one who fails to demonstrate mercy shall not receive mercy.  As we think of trespasses against the law of God and our neighbors, then we freely extend to others the sympathy and forgiveness that we so desperately desire for ourselves. 

If we have been abused as the giver of unrequited love, then we thirst for revenge.  We want the objects of our desire to feel the pain that we feel.  We want them to know what it feels like to care deeply for someone and have your thoughts and feelings trampled upon with their indifference.  We yearn for them to know what it is like to have someone take you for granted.  But, if we have been on the receiving end of unrequited love, we realize that we have been that previously described “demon” who did not feel for someone else the way that he or she felt for us.  Our recollection of how we did indeed take that individual’s feelings and care for granted should enable us to forgive persons who have treated us similarly. 

In addition, walks down memory lane remind us of the wonderful works of God.  There are many miracles that He continually performs for us.  Some of them are small; others are great.  Yet, they are all very meaningful.  As we face new trials and tribulations, we have a blessed assurance that God who saw us through our past struggles will see us through the present ones.  He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore.  He does not change like shifting shadows.  Great is God’s faithfulness toward us.

The book of Deuteronomy considers reflection as a form or prayer.  When we recall the mighty deeds of God, we offer prayers of adoration and praise.  As we recount His gracious gifts and benevolent deeds, we esteem His character and abilities as the Creator of the universe and ends of the earth.  We rejoice in the kindness of a Sovereign Lord who condescends to the minute details of our mundane concerns. 

Periodically, a walk down memory lane yields tremendous personal and spiritual benefits.  We should not slam the door on our past.  Yesterday helps us to appreciate today’s blessings.  Additionally, it foretells how wonderful tomorrow can be.  Nonetheless, our past immensely reminds us of the enduring faithfulness of Almighty God.  The foundation of His unquestionable and limitless love is the rock upon which our lives have been built.  Reflection enables us to see the countless seeds of providence that He sows repeatedly in the soil of our choices.  In addition, we undoubtedly feel gratitude for His boundless mercy and willingness to forgive our sin.