REMEMBERING GOD'S GOODNESS - by Clayton Jung

Last weekend, we enjoyed another Snack & Testimony Night. After Brent led us through a gentle yet powerful time with soaking worship, we continued a great evening of snacks, fellowship & testimonies.  Sharing a testimony, whether with one person or a group, is really an exercise in remembering key moments in our lives (or for loved ones). A story helps us personally by freshening our recall of events that might fade over time. A story shared with others helps them to understand us better and to learn from our experiences.  In some Bible stories, people would stack or stand-up rocks to serve as a memorial to God’s goodness. For example, in Genesis 28 Jacob set up the rock he slept upon as a memorial to the powerful dream/vision God gave him. In Joshua 4, God instructed the Israelites to stack rocks from the Jordan River they had just crossed via His miracle. In the first example, Jacob erected a memorial based on God’s promises (even before any fulfillment). In the second, Joshua did it after God’s amazing work had been done for his entire people. Similarly, we can use “memorials” to help us remember both God’s promises and His faithfulness in our lives. That could come in the form of a physical momento, like a large memorial or even as small as a keychain that serves as a daily reminder. Or it could be a favorite Bible verse or motto that we memorize or post on a wall. Or it could be a story (or testimony) we tell to others.  On Saturday, I shared an example of how God used a worship song powerfully in my heart. It wasn’t just a favorite song that I enjoyed listening to, but in a worship service God used it in a timely way. Sometime in the early 1990s, I came to church stressed out (but I can’t even remember now what it was about). I remember feeling distracted (and guilty about not being in a “good” worship state of mind). As we sang “Arms of Love”, lyrics like “My heart is glad that You’ve called me Your own” became a silent cry of how I needed Him more at that moment. Suddenly, I was overcome with emotions and tingling sensations. I didn’t have words or understanding at the time, but God’s Presence surrounded me, easing my stress and filling my heart with His love. I wept singing “Holding me still, Holding me near in Your arms of love”. Even today, it’s a vivid memory of God’s amazing Goodness & Love! May God bless times when you remember & celebrate & share His Goodness & Love within your life & in those around you!