I Get To Choose My Memories, So Focus on the Good Times

In Philippians 1:5 I read, “I thank God for the help you gave me.” (NCV)

Paul wrote the book of Philippians to the church that he started in Philippi, where a woman named Lydia opened up her home and, along with others, welcomed Paul to the city. The Philippian church even helped fund Paul’s missionary journeys. In Philippians 1:5, Paul says, “I thank God for the help you gave me” (NCV).

Yet Paul told the believers, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God” (Philippians 1:3 NLT).

What is Paul doing there? He is choosing selective memory. Philippi was not a happy place for Paul, and he endured a lot of persecution and suffering during his time in that city. But he chose not to dwell on painful memories. Instead, he expressed his gratitude for the good things that had been done for him and through him.

The longer I know someone, the more likely I am to take that person for granted, look for faults, and remember the bad things instead of the good things.

Am I still clinging to some painful memories with some people in my life? Maybe I’ve never let them off the hook, and so I can’t enjoy those relationships because I’m still holding on to the past.

I need to understand that memories are a choice. 

My memories are a choice. If I want to hold on to my painful memories, go right ahead. But I’m not going to be happy! Paul had a lot of reasons to focus on painful memories of Philippi. Instead, he chose to be grateful for the people in his life and the work God was doing in and through them. When I do the same, God will bless my relationships far beyond my expectations.

In summary, learn to be selective and thank God for the good memories, the one where others helped me. In Phillipians chapter 1, the Philippi area was not a happy place for Paul. He endured a lot of persecution and suffering during his time there. But he chose not to dwell on the painful part. Instead, he expressed his gratitude for the good things that had been done for him and through him. The longer I know someone, the more likely I am to take that person for granted, look for faults, and remember the bad things instead of the good things. I shouldn’t cling to painful memories of the past. I need to understand that memories are a choice. If I want to hold on to my painful memories, I won’t be happy! Paul had a lot of reasons to focus on painful memories of Philippi. But instead, he chose to be grateful for the people in his life and the work God was doing in and through them. When I do the same, God will bless my relationships far beyond my expectations.

As I reflect on this, it’s easier to hold on to painful memories because I may have been wronged and felt as though I didn’t get what was best. Choosing to focus on good memories helps my outlook on life, and to not take others for granted. I need to express gratitude for the people God has placed in your life. Father, I pray for opportunities to do this. I also ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions / relationships with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.