I remember trips taken as a kid with Mom and my Grandma Jones to Denver. Often we would go to certain restaurants to eat. It was required that Grandma tell a story when we left Boulder. She would tell the same story over and over. It always ended with a bear jumping off a bridge into the lake that we passed over.
There are stories that should never be repeated, but there are some stories that should be repeated over and over. The Scriptures and the stories of men and women of old should be told like that. The story of the Incarnation (Christmas) and the crucifixion and resurrection should continually be repeated. The story of how God sent His only Son to died for mankind should be told.
“Tell me the old, old story Of unseen things above;
Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love.
Tell me the story simply, As to a little child,
For I am weak and weary, And helpless and defiled.”
–Kate Hankey
These are stories meant to be told around the fireplace or the campfire. They are stories to be read sincerely and earnestly. These are stories that should be told not in frivolity, but in seriousness. They are stories that contain the thought of eternal life, and how man can obtain it. These are stories, no matter how old, that are always are refreshing to the soul.
“Tell me the story softly, That I may take it in,–
That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin.
Tell me the story often, For I forget so soon,
The ‘early dew’ of morning Has passed away at noon.”
In this world of fear, terror, and danger, these stories should be a comfort. To see how God worked and provided and cared for His people in the past should give comfort in the present. These are stories to help us through the cares of the world, help us in times of fear and sorrow. These are the stories that give us courage to face the onslaught of the enemy.
Read or hear a good story and you become part of it. You see yourself with the characters and can identify with them. Tell these stories over and over and they become part of you. You are one with them for now, because of the experiences of life, you can relate.
“Tell me the same old story When you have cause to fear
That this world’s empty glory Is costing me too dear.
Yes, and when that world’s glory Is dawning on my soul,
Tell me the old, old story: Christ Jesus makes thee whole.
Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.”
Remember, He is with you; He cares for you. The story is old, but the truth is reality.
“Come and hear, all who fear God, And I will tell of what He has done for my soul.”
–Psalm 66:16 (NASB)