Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:6-8)
Facts, figures, and dates rarely leave a lasting impression on our minds, but when something traumatic or exciting takes place, it’s as if the moment is imprinted in our memories with indelible ink.
Certain memories from my past are so clear that when I reflect upon them, I’m mentally transformed into the moment as if it’s happening all over again.
A television program that I watched provided some insight concerning this strange phenomenon. A chemical reaction takes place in our brains, causing certain memories to be imprinted with greater intensity. The key factor in this physical response is adrenaline.
When we experience emotions such as fear, panic, pain, love, or excitement, adrenaline is released into our blood stream, sealing the moment into our memory bank. According to science, certain memories are so vivid that we actually relive the physical and emotional sensations originally associated with the event.
For many years, a traumatic incident from my childhood caused me great physical and emotional distress every time the memory was engaged, but thankfully God has done a great healing work in my life. Today, when the dreadful experience is brought to the forefront of my mind, I am less adversely affected.
The word ‘remember’ appears many times in Scripture, but what might surprise you is the number of times it is used in context of God remembering. We don’t often think in terms of God remembering because He knows everything.
Knowing God remembers the traumatic event from my childhood somehow gives me comfort. Not only does He remember, but He also has great compassion for what I went through.
“For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.” (Psalm 9:12)
My healing did not take place overnight. It was a progression that took place over the course of many years. Physical, emotional, and spiritual healing always takes time but it is possible. I am living proof!
If there are certain memories from your past that evoke distress when they are engaged, I encourage you to go to the Father for healing. He remembers, He cares, and He is there to turn your troubling past into a distant memory.
“[God] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)