Recently I realized that all of the photos and mementos in my office
represent the past. I considered removing them, but wondered if those reminders
of people, places, and events might serve some purpose beyond nostalgia. To
avoid being mired in the “yesterdays” of life, I needed to discover the value
of those items for today and tomorrow.
When God’s people crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, He
told their leader, Joshua, to choose 12 men, have each one take a stone from
the middle of the river, and carry it to their campsite that night (Josh.
4:1-5). Joshua set up the stones as a memorial so that when future generations
asked, “What do these stones mean to you?” they could tell them about God’s
faithfulness in holding back the water while they crossed (vv.6-7).
As followers of Christ, it’s good for us to have tangible evidence of
God’s help in the past. Those mementos remind us that His faithfulness
continues today, and we can follow Him confidently into the future. Our
“stones” may also help others know that God’s hand is mighty, as they encourage
us to fear the Lord our God forever (v.24).
The memories of what God has done for us can become building blocks for
today and tomorrow.
Precious memories of yesterday can strengthen our faith today and tomorrow. (RBC)
