Remembering the Past to Help the Present

I recently relived my childhood; I went with my youngest son to see "Mr. Peabody & Sherman."  While we both enjoyed it, I enjoyed it for a completely different reason than my son--I watched the original on television as part of the "Rocky and Bullwinkle Hour."  This was one of my favorites of the shorts in the series, because of the historical characters and the humor. (My son says Mr. Peabody's puns are like mine--but his are better.  Kids keep you humble.)  Here is what Mr. Peabody and Sherman looked like when I was a kid:

Here is the updated version:

 

 

As I thought about reliving the past, it occurred to me that most of the time, we have a negative image of that.  I agree that remembering past hurts and painful experiences can often lead to anger, resentment and bitterness.  But remembering the happy times is much different, even helpful--especially when you are going through a difficult experience. 

The Bible even encourages us to remember things--Samuel built a stone and called it the Ebenezer, or "stone of rememberance."  Joshua made a monument of 12 stones after they crossed the Jordan on dry land.  Remembering what God has done in the past is seen as being a building block to helping us through circumstances we are going through now.  The idea is that we know God was faithful then, so we can be confident He will be faithful to get us through our present circumstances.

You may be going through something difficult today.  I have been as well--but then I remember back to times in my life that were difficult, and how God got me through them, and it gives me confidence that today--and beyond I can count on Him.  Lamentations 3:22-23 is my favorite verse.  It says "It is because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.  They are new every morning.  Great is Your faithfulness.   Indeed.