Ashes, mourning, and despair---those words well describe some of our memories, don't they? But to have a thought-closet makeover, we must speak to our souls what God says about those memories---beauty, gladness, and praise!
My sweet friend, garments of beauty, gladness, and praise can hang on broken hangers. When you assign a truthful, beneficial meaning to a memory, you label it as something profitable, and it allows you to more clearly see God's benefits. If you don't label a painful memory with meaning, it will retain a negative connotation.
The meaning I finally assigned to my "roses" memory was this---yes, I felt awkward and self-aware. But I have grown to understand that as I am less self-absorbed, I am less self-conscious. God has grown bigger in my thought closet, and it helps me to keep shrinking! So, now "roses" remind me of the Rose of Sharon who blooms so lovely within me. (Isa.35:1)
I have one disclaimer though: When I speak of recalling painful memories, I am speaking of those you can manage. Some truly horrific memories are stowed in our thought closets and bring us utter agony---horrible situations of abuse, trauma, or cruelty. My friend, it that's true of you, please know that often those types of memories require you to seek professional Christian Counseling. Do that so you can be on the path of healing.
When you look back at profitable memories, both pleasant and painful, note God's benefits. When was the last time you told your soul to "forget not"? You soul needs such prompting. Otherwise you can too easily focus only on today, this moment, this worry, this problem. Yet our memories of God's benefits are just as compelling and every bit as real.
Now is a good time to give it a try. Say to your soul, "Soul, remember the good things God has done." Now put the rest of your world on hold for a few moments an simply ponder the thought. If you have trouble, step outside and feel the breeze, breathe the fresh air, feel the sunlight fall gently on your skin, or listen to the chirp of a bird or the rustle of leaves in the wind. Just glance through the shelves in your thought closet. Muse over some of your memories.
In a new post, type some graffiti to describe God's benefits. Note memories, realities---anything that helps you remember God's benefits.
In our mourning we were forgiven and redeemed
ReplyDeleteIn others mistakes we have been instructed and taught
relationships are important
God's Word does not return void