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A loving father fights dementia
Source: The Power of Memory To Anchor Your Faith #706
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The Power of Memory To Anchor Your Faith by ELIZABETH LAING THOMPSON June 19, 2024 Lee en español “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12 (NIV) Every time I see my dad, he repeats these words: “I remember the day you were born … the day you were baptized … your wedding day … the day your miracle baby was born.” This repetition is how Dad fights back against dementia, how he hangs on to precious memories even as his disease tries to steal them away. These memories are anchors tethering him to his past — and to his family. There’s power in these memories. Love in these memories. Faith in these memories. Dad’s example reminds me that memory is not only a privilege; it’s a powerful spiritual practice. The Bible is packed with scriptures inviting us — reminding us — to remember. We’re called to relive meaningful memories in prayer, in song, in celebration and in conversation. Consider just a few examples from the book of Deuteronomy: “Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb …” (Deuteronomy 4:10, NIV). “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand …” (Deuteronomy 5:15, NIV). “Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years …” (Deuteronomy 8:2, NIV). As God’s children, you and I share in the Bible’s faith history. Remembering our collective past feeds our faith for the future. Some memories recount God’s power and righteousness; others reveal His patience and grace. Some lament mistakes; others celebrate victories. Together they all prepare us to face life’s storms with faith. In Psalm 77, the writer, Asaph, was floundering mid-storm, questioning God’s faithfulness. But Asaph revived his faith by pondering the past. “‘Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?’ Then I thought, ‘To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds’” (Psalm 77:9-12, NIV). Like Asaph, my dad, and many other people of God, you and I can renew our faith by remembering the past — not only the collective story of God’s people but also our own stories. What are key spiritual moments and faith-anchoring memories from your life? Maybe God answered a prayer against all odds. Maybe He held you close through a season of sorrow. Maybe He surprised you with fresh joy or a second chance. Such precious memories are yours — your faith story with your Father. Let’s write those memories down, meditate on them, share them, and thank God time and again. Every time we remember, we celebrate our Father’s love. We honor His power, His deeds and His character. Best of all, we remember that He always remembers us. And that’s the anchor our souls always need. Father, I remember Your patience, Your provision and Your power. You’ve been faithful in the past, and I trust You with my future. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS Elizabeth Laing Thompson’s book When God Says, “No” provides scriptures and insights to remind you of God’s faithfulness through hardships — because even when God says “no,” your story isn’t over. ENGAGE ElizabethLaingThompson2022 Elizabeth sends Bible studies and devotions to her newsletter friends, and she’d love to connect on Instagram. FOR DEEPER STUDY Exodus 13:14, “In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery’” (NIV). Psalm 105:1-6, “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, you his servants, the descendants of Abraham, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob” (NIV). June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. What is a memory from your own life that reminds you of God’s faithfulness? Share your thoughts in the comments. Leave a Comment © 2024 by Elizabeth Laing Thompson. All rights reserved. Facebook ShareShare TweetTweet We would love to hear how Encouragement For Today Devotions has impacted your life. Share your story! 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