Focusing too much on our past, especially as it relates to our sin, can lead to a stifling in seeking the kingdom, "but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."(Phil 3:13-14) However it is important to remember...remember the great things God has done in your life personally, not just generally throughout Scripture.
"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 people." Psalm 77:11-14
If we are to, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is...addressing one another in psalms and humans and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..."(5:15-20), then we must remember what he has done in our lives. What a necessity it is for our weak faith that we should look back at the history we have with the living, unseen God in order that we might increase our hope in the midst of the thick fog of this world.
"I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted..." (Psalm 77:1-2) It is in the dark night of your soul when life seems to difficult to navigate any longer that your history with God will strengthen a fainting faith and drive you to our great God. We must remember how God has heard our cry and been faithful. "The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him." (Psalm 37:39,40)
We all have a history with God and the more in-tune we are with Him the easier it will be for us to see it and remember it. Prayer enhances our sight of God's invisible hand like a magnifying glass. As we pour our pleas before the thrown of Christ and watch, listen, and see him respond we gain a self-evident history with God.
Photo: A Picture of "Baby" Gaius in Scotland. Our, now almost 6 year old, son who is developing his own personal history with God.
