The Power of Storytelling
By Dean Collins
When you create your to-do list and prioritize what is most and least important, it is important to prioritize storytelling. Everyone loves a good story, but too often we forget to tell the stories because we believe that there are more important tasks or things to do. Our focus on getting things done and not taking time to listen to and tell our stories may actually damage the next generation.
For some, learning history might seem like a waste of time. Since we can’t change the past, why would we need to review it? And some history is negative and painful. Do we really need to walk through old pains and awaken old wounds? Not every aspect of our history needs to be remembered and reflected on. There are certainly critically important things we can learn from the history of our country and world.
Our faith in Christ should awaken the importance of our spiritual heritage. The Bible is rich with information of our spiritual roots. As we read scripture, we quickly realize that our story is rooted in “His Story” and in his story, God is the main character. All of history begins and continues in God. As believers, we have no story apart from his story.
How many times have you grown tired of hearing a person tell you a story that makes it clear that they are the smartest, most knowledgeable, bravest, and ultimately, the hero. When every story focuses on the storyteller, there is a clear indication that there are deficits in a person’s character, or they have never healed from some emotional wounding from the past.
It is fine to tell stories of successes if we remember that our successes and accomplishments were only possible because of the support and hard work of others and especially of God’s involvement in our story. Do you believe that your success and the people in your life who have and are helping you are just some random coincidences? The reading of scripture and a careful review of our individual journeys will always reveal hints of the trail of God at work in our past and our present. This gives us confidence that God will also lead us to the future he has in store for us.
In Psalm 44:1-8, we have a beautiful example from the psalmist. In verse one, we learn that the writer heard God’s message with his own ears and from his ancestors. There are two important lessons here. First, we must listen to our spiritual ancestors, and second, our spiritual ancestors must tell their stories.
I hope every reader will consider the stories they need to share with the next generation, which can include your children and grandchildren but also includes all the generations behind us, whether at work, church, or in our local community.
The psalmist told of how God drove out the enemies, set captives free, and fought the battles for his children. As this psalm continues, we hear another important lesson: don’t trust in your weapons or your resources to win your battles. Our victories are possible only because Almighty God promises to fight our battles and support us when we are on the tip of the sword. We boast in the Lord and not in ourselves.
Finally, this passage ends with gratitude. When God comes through, we pour out our gratitude to him in praise and worship.
Father, we acknowledge you as creator and author of every story. There is no one whom you do not want to know you and experience your love, grace, and mercy. Thank you for the people who went before us and took time to tell us their story of how you changed their lives. Fill us with your Spirit, that we might be humble and listen to what others say. Fill us with love and compassion for those who follow us, that we will remember to tell them the stories of what you have and are doing in our lives. To you be all glory and praise for every victory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Psalm 44:1-8 ESV
Photo by Arthur Poulin on Unsplash
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