Nougat 23

Today’s Holy Nougat revisits pondering. As we chew, might we also ponder and respond.

“but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How did you understand this verse on your first reading? I confess, I learned this in primary school when King James and Good News were the only versions around, so I recall,’ Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.’ And for some reason, though I know that to ponder is to think, I couldn’t imagine how Mary responded. But when framed as it is currently, I can see what Mary did much more clearly.

In keeping the incidents, Mary mentally documented the ‘Kodak moments’, given that there was neither camera, video nor social media to share information. And in the absence of cars, everything had to wait for a good visit, or much wouldn’t be done.

Additionally, it suggests that Mary was the preserver of the memories. This matters as it offers a clear link to the promises of God and the fulfillment. In keeping the events, she mentally documented in a way that created the proof of God’s Word fulfilled in her time. Assuming that she was literate, she would probably journal (if they could afford same) each promise and also the fulfillment or expansion of God’s promise.

Whether she did it that way, we know she revisited those moments time and again. It reminds me of Psalm 103, which says we ought never forget all God has done – healing, rescuing, saving … etc. Taking the time to bless God for what God has done is pondering and encouragement to our spirit.

These are spiritual disciplines that we ought to adopt and foster in our own lives as we grow in God. Whether we journal, have praise-prayer fests or just revisit what we know from time to time, we ought to chronicle our experiences of God’s provision for us personally, as well as for others who may/not be related to us. We align each incident, experience, or encounter – good and bad – with God’s Word, ensuring that we take the time to revisit and reflect. Having so done, we begin to see a pattern demonstrating the extent of God’s love for us.

I have to begin pondering once again. What about you?

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May all we seek be found in Christ