[vc_row height=”small” el_class=”dailyBody” css=”.vc_custom_1465516518912{margin-top: -25px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][us_image image=”13240″ size=”tnail-1×1″][ultimate_heading main_heading_color=”#5fc8d7″ sub_heading_color=”#5fc8d7″ alignment=”left” main_heading_font_family=”font_family:Allerta|font_call:Allerta” main_heading_style=”font-style:italic;” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:16px;” sub_heading_style=”font-style:italic;,font-weight:bold;” sub_heading_font_size=”desktop:16px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:15px;” sub_heading_line_height=”desktop:22px;” margin_design_tab_text=””]
Memories are drops of hope on our hearts
[/ultimate_heading][us_separator height=”20px” size=”custom”][us_sharing providers=”email,facebook,twitter,gplus”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.
Memories can be filled with wonder and delight. Sometimes we’ll look across the dinner table at an old friend, and see a smile creeping across their face as they look off in the distance. When we ask them what they’re smiling about, they respond with “Oh, do you remember when…” and then bring up a memory about some past adventure. The truly amazing thing is though the event was dramatic at the time, we can smile now, recalling our comments of “You know, some day, we’ll look back on this and smile.” Cascades of memories begin to flow like rivers of gladness as we share memories together.
The psalmist here is doing that very thing – recalling a memory of restoration and remembering the feeling of celebration it brought as he recounts the laughter and “shouts of joy”. In Exodus 15:1-3, we find the Israelites delivered by the Almighty God and singing for joy. Just a short time before, they were angry with Moses for bringing them out Egypt because they were afraid. Now, after being led out from slavery and again saved from the Egyptians who were in hard pursuit of them, they can rejoice. What a difference a little time and miracle from God can make!
All of us have stories to tell about being restored. Chances are, one is tracing a path across your mind as you read this now. And isn’t it wonderful when these memories seem to find their way to us during a time we need them most? The Holy Spirit knows, as we face struggles and difficulties, memories are drops of hope on our hearts, strengthening us to continue on. As these memories come to mind, reflect on the great things that have happened in your past. If someone asks what that smile is all about, tell them the memory!
Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying,
“I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;
the horse and his ride he has thrown into the sea.
The Lord is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
The Lord is a man of war;
the Lord is his name.
Exodus 15:1-3
[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]
By Rich Obrecht
[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″]
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
