There is a well-known saying that “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” As someone who loves reading history, I agree with that sentiment. If you don’t believe it, just read a little bit about the 1918 Spanish Flu. Even though much has changed since then, human nature being what it is, we have reacted in very similar ways. When we don’t learn the lessons of the past, we often tragically must learn them all over again.
It’s much the same in our spiritual lives. When we fail to reflect on God’s activity in our lives, we fail to grow. In fact, one of the gifts of scripture is looking back and remembering His faithfulness through the generations, seeing how He worked in and through His people’s lives to demonstrate His unfailing love. This Lenten season is a good time to look back and reflect on His faithfulness in our own lives.
I am working on a book project about experiencing God’s presence. Part of this process is going back and reading my old journals. I always find it fascinating and awe-inspiring to see God’s faithfulness in my life. There have been many occasions when, like the psalmist, “my spirit grew faint.” However, time and time again, God was faithful. He “stretched out His right hand” and led me to a better place. It seems that these days are filled with much suffering and anxiety in our midst, and we begin to wonder, “Has God forgotten to be merciful?”
In times like these, it is critical for us to reflect on God’s faithfulness in our past—remembering all of His “mighty deeds” and believing that He will once again lead us out of the darkness. It’s true that we should learn from history so we can avoid repeating it. However, for the followers of Christ, we should learn from history because we are blessed to repeat it! Remembering the past reminds us of His love for us, giving us courage in the present and hope for the future.