The Microsoft Corporation conducted a study on the human attention span, with somewhat funny and humiliating results. The researchers found that the modern person has an attention span of about 8 seconds, partly the result of the constant media bombardment that we endure on a regular basis. Compare this with the attention of a goldfish—9 seconds.
Besides being a humorous commentary on our condition, this could also raise concern for our spiritual lives. To remember is a crucial spiritual discipline that’s encouraged throughout Scripture. It’s especially important because it provides for much-needed perspective during difficult seasons of life. In Psalm 77, the attitude of the psalmist is radically transformed as he remembers God’s faithfulness throughout past generations, a memory that helps the writer gain perspective on his current situation. He wrote, “I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago” (Psalm 77:11). And this is far from the only passage of Scripture that describes the importance of remembrance—consider, for instance, the similar directives found in Deuteronomy 7:18.
If we fail to focus on the past in a healthy way, we’ll fail to remember the goodness of God, and in turn, lose our ability to discern His presence in the present. That’s why it’s vital that we recognize the importance of remembering and celebrating what God has done in our lives—to keep what He’s done “constantly in [our] thoughts” (Psalm 77:12). This isn’t for the sake of mere sentimentality, as if to make us feel good for only a short while. No, it transforms our perspective by helping us to realize who God is: “The God of great wonders!” (Psalm 77:14).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Judges 4:4-24
More:
Read Deuteronomy 8:2-5 and consider why it’s important for us to remember what God has done throughout history.
Next:
How does remembering a past event change your perception of a current one? What are some ways for you to improve your ability to remember what God has done?
Gary Shultz on March 7, 2016 at 6:51 am
You bet Peter. As we get older there is a lot more life on earth behind us than before us. I don’t think that’s a secret and I do think that’s why Paul lays out the coaching of the young by the old. I also think we older folks could do a much better job at that and ask ourselves if we are mentoring anyone. Then to be fair to the older group we only have 8 seconds to do it, or get a goldfish. Looking back reminds me of how God brought it all together and my faith is strengthened. As you say “His presence in the present” is the heart of focus. Thanks Peter
gagirllive on March 7, 2016 at 7:45 am
God knows how hard it is to see Him in the dark. When life goes black we have to remember who He is or else sink in despair. I like how David pours out his complaint and grief to God in honest conversation, but then shifts his focus to who God is and His past faithfulness. For me, it’s really hard some days to make that jump. But somehow He always comes for me and lifts up my head to see Him once again. Now I have to remember to remember, Peter.
Tom Felten on March 7, 2016 at 7:52 am
Peter, I’m reminded of the importance of regularly remembering Jesus and His sacrifice for use as we take communion/the Lord’s Supper. As we take the bread and the cup, we not only recall the suffering Jesus experienced so that we might receive forgiveness from sins and victory over death, but also the abundant, eternal life we now enjoy in Christ who reigns forever!
jim spillane on March 7, 2016 at 12:41 pm
Peter – you chose a rather interesting Psalm of Asaph, one of the leaders in David’s choir. Read in its entirety, it certainly has ebbs and flows, valleys and peaks to it. He starts off quite upset and can’t even sleep, he then remembers “the years long ago,” but again becomes troubled and wonders if God has forgotten how to be gracious, then once again says that he “will call to mind the deeds of the Lord” from of old and meditate on them, which seem to lift him up and he thinks “what God is great like our God?” All of this is so typical to the way we approach difficulties in our own lives, the believing then the doubting, etc., wash, rinse, repeat. Ohhh to us of little faith, why are we so often like doubting Thomas, and have to see to believe?