In a previous article, the solution to fear was identified as remembering what God has done in the past. There are many examples in the Bible where God instructs His people to not fear. Instead they are to remember what He has done as a means of combating that fear. When we can clearly see where God has intervened in the past, our confidence and faith in Him to help us again is bolstered.
Today, we are going to be looking at one way you can tangibly remember what God has done. The inspiration comes from Joshua chapter 4. In this passage, the Israelites have just finished crossing the Jordan River on dry land. God instructs each of the 12 the leaders to take one stone from the dry river bed and create a memorial to Him. After they assemble the memorial on the other side of the river, Joshua makes this announcement, “In the future when your descendants ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The LORD your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Seawhen he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God.” (verses 21-24).
The memorial was to remind the people of God’s power, might and protection over them in a historical context. You can create your own memorial to the Lord. Here are the supplies you will need:
- A bowl or open-topped container (such as a basket or box)
- Smooth river stones (you can find these at a local craft store)
- A small notebook
- A pen
Place the rocks in your container and set the container in a high traffic area of your home (such as the front hallway or the kitchen). Think of all the ways God has provided for your family over the years. Try to recount the various ways the Lord has “shown up” (in big and small ways) and write them down in the notebook in chronological order. You can add more in the future.
When your children ask, “What are these stones here for?” be ready to give them an answer. Sit with them and read the entries in the notebook and review how God has worked in the life of your family and how His presence has woven the events of your family’s history together in ways that are for your good and for His glory. Have them keep their eyes open for additional entries.
Do you have any ideas to share about how you remember God’s provision and power in the life of your family?
Image by sarajuggernaut from Pixabay
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