Why is it so crucial for us to develop a memory of spiritual experiences and how can we do that?
Remembering God, His words, deeds, and promises is one of the most important spiritual disciplines. It is foundational to our connection with God. When we are born again, we begin internalizing memories of God.
In the process of our spiritual growth, we build storage of memories about God that include our own experiences with Him, as well as His word and truths.
In the process of our spiritual growth, we build storage of memories about God that include our own experiences with Him, as well as His word and truths. #memory #spiritualgrowth #spiritualmaturity #encouragement Share on XPulling out these memories, focusing on them, paying attention, and reflecting, enables us to build a stable and good connection with God.
“I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember Your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all You have done and meditate on Your actions.” (Psalm 77:11-12)
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Reasons to Develop a Memory of Spiritual Experiences
Here are the 5 main reasons why we need to develop the spiritual discipline of remembering God.
#1 Bonding with God
Forming memories of spiritual experiences is the God-ordained way of bonding with Him. It is the same process as a child bonding with his mother. Our relationship and connection with God is the center of our life, holding everything else together.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)
#2 Emotional and Spiritual Security
Incorporating the memories of our spiritual experiences with God is the primary way of gaining emotional and spiritual security. Through the memories, we can feel secure and loved even when we don’t “feel” God’s presence.
“For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!” (Romans 8:38-39)
#3 Strength to Persevere
Developing the spiritual discipline of remembering God gives us the courage to continue following Him and walk by faith. This is His way of strengthening us to persevere and remain steadfast till the end.
“Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
#4 Help to Trust God
Remembering God helps us put our trust and confidence in Him in difficult and challenging circumstances.
“so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep His commands. (Psalm 78: 7)
#5 Leads to Obedience
Our memory of spiritual experiences enables us to obey God and maintain a lifestyle of obedience.
“Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today.” (Deuteronomy 8:11)
What Does It Mean to Remember God?
Remembering God means that we are aware of His presence and we intentionally stay connected with Him. The Bible also calls this “abiding or remaining in Him”.
“Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.” (John 15:4)
In a broader sense, to remember means to acknowledge, focus on, consider, take into account, keep in mind, meditate on, think about, and not forget.
We intentionally connect with God by thinking about Him and His word and paying attention to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Practical Ways to Connect to God through Remembering
#1 Christian Meditation
It is not enough just to read God’s Word; we need to let our minds dwell on His words and remember them throughout the day. This is the practice of Christian meditation.
We learn to pay attention to Him and to align our thinking with the truths in His Word. We can reflect on a single verse, word, or phrase, asking the Holy Spirit to give us fresh insights. In this way, we internalize God’s word and store it in our minds and hearts.
“In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law.” (Psalm 119:55)
#2 Keeping a Gratitude Journal
Starting and ending the day with a gratitude journal is a wonderful way to process and internalize our spiritual experiences. We can write a list of at least 5 to 10 things about which we are grateful.
It is a good idea to make monthly highlights or a gratitude summary of a season or a year. Then, when we feel discouraged, we can pull out our notebooks and read these entries, letting the memories strengthen our bond with God and our trust in Him.
“Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 )
#3 Praising God in Our Interactions
We can practice remembering God when we also give thanks and praise Him in our daily interactions with other people, giving Him credit for all our blessings.
Praising God for all things He has done in our lives is a powerful way not only to strengthen our faith and relationship with God but to encourage others.
“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.” (Isaiah 12:4-5)
#4 Practicing Obedience
The proof that we are connected to God and have a loving relationship with Him is our daily obedience. Obedience to His word and will shows us and the world that we remember and love Him.
Obedience includes paying attention to the Holy Spirit’s prompts as He guides us in all truth, our decisions, and our daily lives.
“If you love Me, you will keep My commands.” (John 14:15)
The Reward of Remembering – A Constant and Good Connection with God
There is a glorious reward when we learn to practice mindfulness about God and intentionally develop our memory of spiritual experiences with Him.
There is a glorious reward when we learn to practice mindfulness about God and intentionally develop our memory of spiritual experiences with Him. #mindfulness #spiritualgrowth #memories Share on XWe become blessed and a blessing. Our souls can thrive, and we can have happy and satisfying lives enjoying the fruit of the Spirit.
And we can be sure God is guiding us in the right direction on the best paths for us.
“Think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)
More Encouragement for You
If you need more resources and encouragement to help you connect with and remember God in daily life, I can highly recommend these books. Check them out.
Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk
Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life by Denise Dubois Pass and Michelle Nietert
Transforming Your Thought Life by Sarah Geringer
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Hidden Manna on a Country Road by Sarah Geringer
A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life by Rachael Adams
Numbering Our Days: Combating Anxiety in the Power of Small Intentional Moments by Nichole J. Suvar
Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings by Hadassah Treu
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Your Turn
Do you practice more ways to connect with God through remembering? Share in the comments and on social media if you found this article helpful. Thank you!
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These are very helpful practices on how to develop a memory of spiritual experiences. Keeping a gratitude journal is a perfect idea that I plan to do in the new year.
Thanks, Debbie! I began keeping a gratitude journal two years ago and this was a powerful way to push through grief and learn to see the good things in life again.
Yes, it is so important to reflect on the ways God has worked in our lives. I totally agree with all of your points about developing a memory of spiritual experiences, and I would also add that having those memories ready to share with others is a powerful testimony of God at work. Thank you for these timely reminders.
Thanks, Lisa! Yes, sharing with others is a powerful testimony that strengthens their faith and our faith, too. Blessings!