This morning, a long ago memory suddenly surprised me as I was turning into my kitchen. It took me back to 65 years ago and to the soft warm glow of the lamp in the family den. That glow was a silent signal that my father was there, settled on the small, soft sofa, quietly reading the evening news. Just knowing he was there, with that lamp shining, filled me with a deep sense of safety and security. I’d often peek in, watching him turn those big newsprint pages, listening to the paper softly crinkle as it turned, feeling completely at peace. It’s a memory I truly treasure.
It’s funny how a simple light can hold such big feelings, isn’t it? That lamp, for me, was a quiet beacon of comfort and steady presence. And it made me think: What happens when the light goes out? What happens when those feelings of safety and security dim, or even vanish, in our own lives? We’ve all been there. We’ve all faced moments when it feels like the spiritual “lamp” in our hearts flickers, or worse, goes completely dark. That’s when we cry out, “Oh, LORD! The light’s gone out!”
Our Brains, Our Lamps, and God’s Reminder
Did you know your brain, right now, generates enough energy to light a small lightbulb? It’s constantly buzzing with power, fueling every thought, every feeling, every memory. What incredible potential lies within us! But sometimes, even with all that power, we struggle to find our way in the dark. We forget the light.
The amazing thing is, God knows this about us. He knows we’re prone to forgetting, especially when life gets tough. That’s why, all through the Bible, He constantly tells us to remember. He doesn’t just want us to have head-knowledge of His story; He wants us to have heart-knowledge of His faithfulness to us.
God’s Constant Call to Remember
Think about the Israelites in the Bible. After God worked miracle after miracle to free them from slavery in Egypt and lead them through the wilderness, what did He keep telling them? “Remember!”
- “Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God…” (Deuteronomy 4:10).
- “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand…” (Deuteronomy 5:15).
- “Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years…” (Deuteronomy 8:2).
He wasn’t telling them to just recall old stories. He was telling them, “Look at what I’ve done! If I did it then, I can do it now. Trust Me!” It was like a constant spiritual light switch, reminding them to keep the switch on by remembering His proven track record.
The Psalms are full of this, too. When the writers felt lost or scared, they’d often say things like, “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago” (Psalm 77:11). They weren’t just wallowing in their worries; they were actively recalling God’s powerful work to pull themselves back into His light.
And what about the most important thing we do as Christians? Communion. When we take bread and wine, Jesus told us, “Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). It’s not just a ritual; it’s a profound act of remembering His ultimate sacrifice, the very foundation of our hope and salvation. It’s the brightest lamp of our lives.
Why Remembering Lights Up Our Walk
So, why is this “remembering” so crucial for us, as Christian women seeking a deeper walk with God?
- It Strengthens Our Faith: Just like that den lamp signaled safety, remembering God’s past faithfulness solidifies our trust in Him for today and tomorrow. If He brought you through before, He can and will do it again.
- It Fills Us with Gratitude: When we deliberately recall His blessings – big and small, past answers to prayer, unexpected joys – our hearts naturally overflow with thanks. This shifts our focus from what might be dim to all the brightness He’s already given.
- It Gives Us Hope: Every memory of God’s deliverance becomes a little beacon of hope, shining brightly into our future. It reminds us that His promises are true and His love never fails.
- It Reminds Us Who We Are: Remembering God’s incredible power and love helps us remember who we are in Him. We are His beloved daughters, created with purpose, and called to be “lights” in this world (Matthew 5:14). When we recall His light, it empowers us to shine our own.
How to Keep Your Lamp Lit
But what can we do if we feel the light has been switched off?
- Start a “Lamp Moments” Journal: Get a notebook and write down every time you see God’s hand at work in your life – big breakthroughs, small comforts, answered prayers, unexpected graces. These are your personal “lamp moments.” When darkness tries to creep in, pull it out and reread them.
- Share Your Story: There’s immense power in sharing your testimony. When you tell others how God has shown up for you, it not only encourages them, but it also solidifies that memory in your own heart.
- Soak in Scripture: The Bible is a treasure trove of God’s faithfulness. Spend time reading and meditating on verses that remind you of His character and His powerful acts throughout history. Let His Word illuminate your mind and heart.
- Practice Gratitude: Make it a daily habit to thank God for specific things. Even in tough times, there’s always something to be grateful for, and acknowledging it keeps your spiritual lamp burning.
My dear sisters in Christ, God knows our struggles. He knows the moments when we cry out, “Oh, LORD! The light’s gone out!” But He’s given us an incredible tool: the power of remembrance. Let those cherished memories of His grace illuminate your path, strengthen your spirit, and remind you of the unwavering faithfulness of our LORD. May your own life radiate His light, born from the beautiful, undeniable memory of His grace.
What’s a “lamp moment” you’ve experienced recently that brought you comfort or hope?
Dr. Buck / Christian Life Coach /
As God gets bigger in our lives–we get stronger!
Living Life's Way 