The Reason We Tell

“Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
    incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
I will open my mouth in a parable;
    I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
    that our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children,
    but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
    and the wonders that he has done.

He established a testimony in Jacob
    and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
    to teach to their children,
that the next generation might know them,
    the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
   so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God,
    but keep his commandments;
and that they should not be like their fathers,
    a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
    whose spirit was not faithful to God.” Psalm 78:1-8

From everlasting to everlasting, the Lord is God, and He is for His people through all time. He is the creator of generations and intends that His story and ours with Him be told over and over to plant hope and faith in those who follow. Ache and redemption, lessons learned, grace applied, God’s glorious wonders, are all to be passed along and not forgotten. God’s people span every era, and their testimonies are living accounts of His ongoing marvels. (Psalm 90:1-2)

Many today see not beyond their all-important present. While some cultures revere the wisdom of the elderly and intentionally raise youngsters to become adults, others press aging people to extend the façade of youth and youth to disrespect them and not grow up beyond their selfish preferences and rights. God’s way is to ingrain in all a high view of Him and deep sense of continuity between generations. In bearing His image we are accountable for every age according to what’s been entrusted to us. What is our attitude in receiving His good gifts of time and health and spiritual understanding? (Matthew 12:36-37; Romans 14:12)

What do the words of our mouth tell of our great Lord? What is our message to a coming generation? When we are self-centered, our words will self-focus and serve our interests. When we are inflated with pride, we will tend to boast. When we harbor regret, resentment, or anger, we’ll complain, sow discord and destruction. But when we’re intent on glorifying the Lord by magnifying His deeds and building up His people, our words have power to edify, encourage, build faith, console, and multiply His praise. (Psalm 34:3)

What stories passed along to us have made deep impressions in how we think, believe, or behave? How can we pay forward those nuggets of wisdom and wonder? Do we recognize the purpose and power of our words and think before we speak? It’s vital for those who follow that we faithfully, honestly, deliberately tell what would otherwise be drowned out or lost. How might the coming generation live differently because of what I share?

Lord, may the song of my days draw others to consider You and take joy in the great things You have done and hope in what You can still do.