In the movie “Finding
Nemo” is the delightful character of Dory. Dory is a comical Blue Tang Fish who suffers from a short term memory disorder.
Other fish are constantly re-introducing themselves to her, because only
moments after an initial introduction, she will completely have forgotten that
they have just met. Knowing some people who actually have short term memory problems,
this is quite humorous. Dory’s actions are an extreme exaggeration of the real
issues involved in short-term memory loss. She provides an opportunity to laugh
at some struggles we face each day.
Sometimes I wonder if
I have a spiritual short term memory problems. How quickly I can forget all
that God has done in my life. Over the years there have been many great
displays of God’s power and love to me. I try to remember and be grateful for them,
but at times I forget the everyday blessings, both big and small that He provides. Scripture encourages us, “[Earnestly]
remember the marvelous deeds that He has done, His miracles and wonders, the judgments and sentences which He pronounced
[upon His enemies, as in Egypt].” (Psalm 105:5 AMP) A difficult time comes and I can forget just
how mighty the God I serve is and all that He has already done for me. “[Earnestly] remember the former
things, [which I did] of old; for I am God, and there is no one else; I am God,
and there is none like Me,” (Isaiah 46:9 AMP) We are wise to
recount God’s greatness and what He has done in our lives.
Despite Dory’s
inability to remember things, she continually keeps going by reminding herself
of her purpose. Her motto that she repeats over and over again is, “Just
keep swimming, swimming, swimming.” Whether it is to remind herself of her
purpose, or that she just likes the sound of her own voice, Dory continually tells
herself to keep on. Swimming is therefore something she does not ever forget to
do.
We can follow Dory’s example. God has given us a
great purpose on this earth. Regardless
of whether our day is going well or falling apart we can remind ourselves to walk
in this purpose one step at a time. Just keep praying, praying, praying… Just
keep trusting, trusting, trusting…Just keep obeying, obeying, obeying… Just
keep thanking, thanking, thanking… “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall
reap, if we do not loosen and
relax our courage and faint.” (Galatians
6:9 AMP) Just keep on and do not quit.
A time
comes in the movie when Dory must remember an important address. Nemo’s life is at stake. To the surprise of
everybody, including herself, she cries out “P
Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney.” Only
seconds before she had no recollection of what the address was. Trying with all
her strength, she could not remember. Then suddenly the address springs from
her mouth.
Jesus told his disciples
that there would be times in the future when they would not know what to say or
how to respond in circumstances that they encountered. Like the disciples, we
are not to worry about what we will say at these times. “For the
Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour and moment what [you] ought to say.” (Luke 12:12 AMP) Jesus later stresses that we must not attempt
to preplan our own answers. “Resolve and settle it in your minds not to
meditate and prepare beforehand
how you are to make your defense and
how you will answer. For I [Myself] will give you a mouth and such utterance and wisdom that
all of your foes combined will be unable to stand against or refute.” (Luke 21:14-15 AMP) What comes out
of our mouths will amaze all, especially us.
Who knew a little Blue Tang Fish
with memory problems could teach us so many lessons? We can see some of our weakness in this
little fish. Like Dory, we can overcome our tendencies to forget what God has
done by reminding ourselves to do what He has called us to do. We can also be
confident that as we follow Him, He will put the words in our mouths when they
need to be spoken. We have confidence that even when we are weak, He is strong
in us. Just keep on…
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