Should we remember past events?

Tony Fischer Photography

When the whole nation was finally across, God spoke to Joshua: “Select twelve men from the people, a man from each tribe, and tell them, ‘From right here, the middle of the Jordan where the feet of the priests are standing firm, take twelve stones. Carry them across with you and set them down in the place where you camp tonight.'”  Joshua 4:1-3  (MSG)

God provided for Joshua and the nation of Israel.  Based on this provision God instructed Joshua to make a monument.  This monument helped everyone to remember what they had all gone through and how God had taken care of them.

The United States remembers the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  We call this Memorial Day.  For people who have lost their children, spouse, parent, or any family member, it is a bittersweet type of day.  The ‘bitter’ is that they lost someone.  The ‘sweet’ is, that due to their effort, we all have freedom in this country we call the United States of America.

I think in the passage above God knows that we need to remember what He has done for us so that we remain focused.  As people we seem to forget if we do not have something to remind us.  In life we do not have many of these memorials.  For me it is a picture, a tree, and a ring.  Every once in a while I print something out and put it in my home so that I do not forget to pray or remember about something specific.

What do you have?  Do you have somethings you need to remember?  Should you stack a set of stones?  Should you put a picture on the wall?  Should you ask God how you should remember something He has saved you from?