This time, the scroll through my phone was intentional. I was looking for old photos—specific ones—to add to a separate folder on my smartphone. My desire was to collect memories of the moments when God proved to be faithful.
Of course, He is always faithful. But in this particular season, I needed to be concretely reminded of the big ways He has shown up for my family throughout the years. In this moment, my heart was shattered, and my mind scattered, like in today's Gospel, Luke 11:15-26. We had taken several big steps in faith at the Lord's beckoning, yet our world seemed to be crumbling around us. We were confused and weary, waiting for the Lord to fulfill His promises. We prayed for faith like Abraham in the First Reading, and I clung to evidence of God's provision throughout our lives.
So I scrolled through my photos for visual reminders of God's fidelity: a baby born after a difficult pregnancy; a graduation after laborious years of sacrifice; opportunities for rest after arduous seasons; material provision in the face of financial insecurity; and mission-minded community when I felt most alone.
Like a desperate detective, I searched for the fingerprints of God. And square by square, year by year, I was reminded that we had been in this spot before. Exhausted. Uncertain. Scared. And we had cried out to God, held fast to the Word and to one another, and waited in faith for our mighty God to move.
He always moves. He always remembers.
"The Lord will remember his covenant forever" (Psalm 111:1). He remembers His promises forever. He is faithful forever. Even when we forget. Even when we are not faithful. God remains and remembers.
If you're in a similar season—worn out by your wonderings and weary of your wounds—ask the Lord to help you to remember His covenant. Remember the times when you witnessed the power of His works and give thanks with all your heart (see Responsorial Psalm). His faithfulness is from generation to generation, and our hope is often born from remembering that very truth.
He always remembers. Will we?
He is faithful forever. // @to_the_heightsClick to tweet
This scholar writes and teaches on "covenant theology"—have you read about it?
Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky, where sweet tea and bourbon flow like milk and honey. She holds degrees in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and works from home while enjoying her children and husband. She curates relevant and inspiring content for Catholic women as Blog Manager. She is the narrator of Set a Fire, And Hay Became Holy, and All She Had as well as a contributing author for Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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