Reflecting on the Past

Written by Zach Roll

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” John 1:16 English Standard Version

How much time do you spend reminiscing on the past? Daily? Weekly? Or maybe less frequently? In the hustle and bustle of today’s world, it can be all too easy to “press forward” and only look ahead. Some would even say it is foolish to look back into the past.

For you, what conjures up memories when they come about? Do you remember more in the midst of trials, or in the midst of joy? I am sure that a mixture of those emotions causes you to look back every now and then. Most of the time when we are remembering it is spontaneous. We do not typically set aside times in our days, like we would other routines, for remembering. I would encourage you to do so. Specifically, I would encourage you to look back on your life and examine how the Lord has provided for you. Whether you are walking in a time of hardship, or joy, remember what the Lord has done.

As we are in the middle of the season of Lent, we remember Jesus and his journey, suffering, and death on the cross. On Easter we remember His resurrection. Every time we receive the Lord’s Supper we do so in remembrance of what Christ did for us, that we might be restored to the Father. Every Sunday in church we are reminded of who we are without Jesus, and then with Jesus. We need to be reminded that our souls may be comforted, and that we might press on in perseverance.

The opposite of remembering is obviously forgetting. If we do not make a habit of remembering what God has done for us as the Church, and for each of us individually, we will soon be lost. Take some time today to remember. Thanks be to Jesus for the grace He gives us, and for reminding us of all that He has done in love for us.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO