In the Bible, there are many reminders: from God to us, us to God and from one saint to others. One is example is found in the psalmist’s requests for God to remember his integrity and be merciful to him. (Psalm 26:1) Nehemiah prayed for God to remember his generosity to the Jews (Nehemiah 5). Moses reminded God of His own promise, asking God not to unleash His wrath upon the disobedient people. (Exodus 32:9-14)
Reminders and Triggers in Limerence
Often, reminders of our limerence objects derail us from the lives to which God called us. All it takes is a song or a text or post on social media and our hearts are easily sent into distress again.
How do we escape the barrage? How do we defend ourselves from the torpedoes that threaten to pierce our hearts – when the attack is no fault of those around us? These triggers are everywhere, so the only easy answer is to completely isolate ourselves from everyone. But this is the complete opposite of what we need to do.
First, we need to pray. Prayer is strength-giving as we lament and declare the truth about God’s character. Next, we need to set boundaries for ourselves. These boundaries will help reduce the reminders and manage the triggers that still reach us. Finally, we must surround ourselves with godly friends who will check in on us and pray for us.
“Do This in Remembrance of Me”
Just before He is arrested to be crucified, Jesus eats the Last Supper with his disciples. Taking the bread and the cup, He breaks the bread and passes the cup, telling them, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:18-20) Knowing how quickly and easily we humans forget, he told them to remind themselves of who He is and all He had taught them.
When you find yourself bombarded with reminders of your limerence objects or other stressors, remind yourself of Jesus instead. Think of the peace He gives, the healing He is helping you reach, the grace He offers. Memorize Philippians 4:8. Post the text of 2 Corinthians 10:5 where you will see it frequently. I have done this in a room in my house I used as an office.
It hurts to let go because it feels like letting go of all control. But Jesus suffered far more than we ever will. He did it all for our sakes because He loves us. Reminding ourselves of this daily makes it easier to trust Him and allows peace to settle into our hearts.
A Promise Made
The Old Testament records several times when God declares to us, “I will remember my covenant with you.” This is first seen in Genesis 9:15 just after the Great Flood, where the rainbow is the sign of His covenant. When He sees it He remembers His promise to us not to flood the whole earth again.
In Genesis 12:1-3, God establishes His covenant with Abraham, which extends to Abraham’s descendants forever, beginning with Isaac and Jacob. This covenant is mentioned numerous times throughout the Old Testament. (See Leviticus 26:45, Deuteronomy 4:31 and others).
In 2 Kings 20 Hezekiah, a righteous king of Judah, fell ill and was told by the prophet Isaiah that he would die. He pleaded with God to remember how he strived to live righteously and please the Lord in all his doings. This request came from a heart who knew God “inclines His ears to the righteous.” (Psalm 116:2)
The greatest promises we can study are the Messianic prophecies. One of my favorites is Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” These names describe an unparalleled Savior who would one day redeem His people.
The Promise Kept
God’s promise to Abraham included giving Abraham descendants more numerous than the stars. In the years since, He has multiplied Abraham’s offspring exponentially. He continues to do so every day as new babies are born. As the song goes, “Father Abraham had many sons. I am one of them and so are you. So let’s all praise the Lord.”
Hezekiah’s prayer to God prompted the Lord to heal the king from his disease. Not only that, but He decided to add 15 years to his life! This story is truly living proof that God hears us and remembers our efforts to live for Him.
When Jesus the Messiah was born, He proceeded to fulfill all the law and prophets. (Matthew 5:17-18) He is the promised servant of the Lord who lived perfectly and brought salvation His people. Because of this salvation, we are able to enjoy the free life He created us to live. Those of us who believe in Him are written in the Book of Life. We will one day be in Heaven with Him forever. Until then, His promises are a comfort to us because we know they are true.
Remembering God Is Our Refuge and Strength
As God’s children, we are able to appeal to God to remind Him of His promises to us. He loves us too much to let us suffer indefinitely. The God who saved His people from slavery in Egypt is the same God who is with us to the end of the age. (Exodus 14, Matthew 28:20)
We may not live as righteously as King Hezekiah and certainly not as perfectly as Jesus. But God knows our hearts and He will not forget His promises to us, especially when we remind Him of them. He may even grant us unexpected favor out of His great love for us.
Let us therefore remember Him as our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). Let us run to Him when our limerence triggers leave us feeling weak and vulnerable. Because He is strong and mighty, merciful and compassionate, He will not leave one of His promises unfulfilled.
