is your mind filled with memories of the past? Are you constantly rehearsing the good, the bad, and the ugly of yesterday? Do you have some happy memories and wonder if you can ever recreate those moments? Iui9s your mind stuck in what “was” that you can’t receive what “is”? Is it possible that your memory needs wiping to make room for your next?
The Story: Exodus 17:14-16
In Exodus 17:14-16, Joshua and his army fought a long battle against Amalek and his army. Although the Israelites won the battle, God promised to wipe out the memory of Amalek and his people from under heaven. As a result, Moses built an altar and named the place “The Lord is my Banner.” This title means the Lord will have war against the Amalekites forever and no generation will escape.
The Lesson
As in Exodus 17:14-16, we need a memory wipe. Even computers experience a memory wipe, but what is it? It’s the process of clearing the clutter from our minds. Of course, I’m not advocating for amnesia. I’m fully aware that the mind is powerful and capable of holding a vast amount of information. However, if the information doesn’t enhance our path, why keep it? With too many memories, we can have several outcomes.
- Slow processing system – In this case, we focus too much on the good of yesterday while ignoring the bad of today. We build candy-coated images when the reality is foul. Therefore, we remember the good times shared and overlook the awful truths.
- Frozen – Like a computer with too much memory, we become frozen in time. We obsess over the negative attributes of people and act as if they are the sum total of one experience. We erect monuments of negativity that our existence reflects and projects the same. Because our memories remain frozen in negativity, forgiveness becomes impossible.
Our memories are our own and only we can choose how to handle them. Ponder this:
- What memories are you holding on to?
- Are your memories pushing you forward or holding you back?
- Is it time for a memory wipe?
If you decide that a wiping is in order, below are a few ways to start the process.
- Seek God and ask Him to help you clear your memory of everything that doesn’t serve you.
- Actively forgive people you’ve held hostage in your mind. Forgiveness doesn’t mean fellowship, but it does bring freedom.
- Journal the situation so the memory no longer rents space in your mind. If necessary, you can burn the pages as an act of memory wiping.
