“Rhythm of Remembrance” by Jessica Zinck

A mother sits on the couch with her children. They are begging her to look at pictures of when they were babies. The family gathers close, scrolling through photographs as stories are told– tales of important milestones and silly moments.  

For them, remembering has become a cherished family activity.

Sharing photos and reminiscing gives children a stronger sense of identity and increased self-esteem. 

Among the many roles a mother carries, one of the most powerful is that of the family historian. How do kids learn what to value? Children see what their parents value.

By observing their parents,  children come to learn that remembering matters.

But remembering isn’t merely sentimental– it’s a spiritual discipline. 

In Deuteronomy, during his final address to the Israelites, Moses models a rhythm of remembrance. His words serve to strengthen the people’s faith, unify them as God’s chosen people, reinforce their identity, and give them a sense of value.

We see this in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (ESV):

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

The Israelites are commanded to love God with all their heart, soul, and might. They are charged to keep His commandments written on their hearts and to teach them to their children. 

Amid their daily rhythms, they are to invite God in and keep Him close.

Today’s believers are faced with the same challenge: Is God being invited into every part of daily life? Into school drop-off lines, into grocery shopping, into conversations, and into bedtime routines?

How much more significant would ordinary moments become if they were seen as opportunities to reflect on God’s faithfulness?

Children would see that God isn’t confined to Sunday mornings. He is present in the routine and mundane moments where faith is most often formed.

Moses told the Israelites to bind God’s word on their hands, between their eyes, and write it on their doorposts.

Why? Because humanity suffers from spiritual amnesia!

And Moses offers a solution:  Keep God close. Remember His goodness. Treasure His word. Make His truth visible and accessible in our homes.

Just as there is power in looking at a picture, there is even greater power in the written word of God.

Moses gave this charge just as the Israelites were about to leave behind their time in the wilderness and enter the Promised Land. After years of disobedience, God remained faithful to his covenant promise.

And yet, God knew the Israelites wouldn’t be able to keep His commands. He knew they would need an intermediary.

That’s why Moses’ message ultimately points us to someone greater.

Jesus. 

The one who lived the sinless life humanity could not,  and in love, bore the weight of sin on the cross.

Through him, humanity is set free.
Free from the punishment of sin.
Free to enjoy a relationship with God.
Free to live in remembrance, gratitude, and obedience. 

Moses equipped the Israelites to live in a faithful rhythm by retelling stories of God’s goodness.  His words weren’t oral history–they were a guide to Godly living.

Believers today need that same rhythm of remembrance.

During busy routines, may Christ’s followers take the time to remember who God is. And may they pass along this love to their children.

May believers leave behind a legacy of faith rooted in God’s unchanging word.
A legacy of an accessible Jesus.
A legacy of God-stories told.
A legacy of remembrance. 

About the Author: Jessica Zinck is a Bible study teacher and Women’s Ministry Leader who is passionate about equipping women to study God’s word and encouraging others to experience His life-changing love. Jessica lives in Joliet, IL. with her husband and three kids. She enjoys reading, lattes and the outdoors. Learn more about Jessica and connect with her here.