I pray you are enjoying family, friends, and more than just the presents under the tree, but the one true present—The Present of His Presence…God with us!

Big picture—Don’t forget to remember.

This is the time of year when we are reflecting on the passing of one year and looking forward in anticipation of a new one. It can be tough depending on what the year in review looks like. On the flip side, it can be a real faith-building experience. Either way, God calls us to remember. Remember His word. Remember what He has done. And remember He is always with us.

Doing this strengthens not only our resolve in difficult times, but also strengthens our testimony. In turn, our test has the potential to become a great testimony. Let’s look at a few examples where this plays out.

It was God, after the terrible flood of Noah, who flung a beautiful rainbow in the sky that serves as a reminder and testifies of His covenant with us today (Genesis 9: 15). David spoke aloud his testimony about finding strength in his present battle by remembering how God helped him defeat the lion and the bear during his days as a shepherd boy (1 Samuel 17:36). For us, we are called to remember and testify to what Christ has done by taking communion and acknowledging His sacrifice for our sins so that we can live in the land of the living with the hope of glory (Luke 22:19).

Many places in scripture assure us that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8, Psalms 94:14, Isaiah 41:17, Isaiah 42:16, Hebrews 13:5). Do you believe Him? Do you trust He is there in the storm even when your eyes can’t see Him and your heart can’t feel Him? It’s in these moments of uncertainty, when our spiritual acuity fails us, do we need to remember that God has been with us through every storm, every battle, every valley of loneliness. He was there, holding us up, making a way, and quieting our anxious soul.

The act of remembering builds our faith that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. Even in our present battles. Especially in our present battles.

To glean a testimony from a difficult test, we must look back. Take inventory. Take time to see what is reflected in the rearview mirror of our life with God. Allow Him to reveal the lessons learned and the character forged in the fire of affliction. Only then can our testing become a living testimony of…God With Us.

One way to build our story is to recite how a difficult test from the past has become a great testimony. Here are some questions to ponder: What has been a test that has tried you to the core of who you are? Has it changed you in any way? Built your faith muscle stronger? Where was He strong in your weakness? What doors did He open? Even more impactful sometimes are the doors He closes for our protection.

As I look back over the last twelve Christmas’ as a single mom, I don’t often remember the exact presents under the tree that were opened at lightning speed in anticipation of pure joy—even though, that is super fun. But what I do remember when I look in the rearview mirror of our life together is the Present of His Presence—God with us.

He sustained us through the dark nights. He provided for our needs and so much more. His comfort mended our broken hearts and soothed our aching souls. He strengthened us in our weakness. Given us joy in laughter. And sustained a hope that never seems to fail.

In all this, I remember.

How about you? What will you remember as you look back on this year?

Prayer:

Reflect and Respond:

Time to take inventory. Use some of the questions above to help sift out that which is paramount to your story. Ask God to help you see how the times of testing are for a great and impactful testimony of the great and glorious gift of His presence—God with us.

Keep in mind, when you are assessing the year in review, like our picture above, “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear”!

Hugs for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Be blessed and know that He is with you, always.

*Scriptures:

Genesis 9:15; and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh.

1 Samuel 17:36; I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God!

Luke 22:19; And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Deuteronomy 31:8; The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Psalms 94:14; “For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.”

Isaiah 41:17; “The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.”

Isaiah 42:16; “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”

Hebrews 13:5; Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”