Recency Syndrome

God of the long-term.

My oldest child was enamoured with her dad from the very beginning. They had a relationship I wasn’t sure I’d ever permeate. Everyone knew about their special bond.

When she was just learning to talk and interact, our family friend played a game with her. His good-natured teasing was designed to challenge that relationship. Across restaurant tables, he would ask my bright-eyed toddler which she loved more: “candy or rocks?”

She would repeat, “rocks.”

Then, “Which do you love more, goldfish or rocks?”

“Rocks.”

“Puppies or rocks?”

“Rocks.”

Then, knowing she was warmed up, “Which do you love more, Daddy or rocks?”

“Rocks.” We would all laugh, and my husband would grimace. But my daughter had no idea what she had done.

Often, without even realising it, we believe whatever we hear, see, or experience last.

It’s called “Recency Syndrome,” and it’s the tendency to remember events that have recently occurred more easily. When I taught Supervision to college business majors, we covered this topic in the context of employee performance reviews. It can be a dangerous bias in business, but even more threatening in our spiritual lives.

Joseph believed in a God of the long-term. He resisted the pull of Recency Syndrome. He chose to believe that the pit and the slavery did not tell the full story of his life or his God. Even when events in his life felt evil, confusing, or painful, he could declare,

“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20 ESV).

Joseph’s short-term twelve-year crisis ultimately provided a crown so he could save his family.

But we all know that sometimes our current condition can cloud our view of a loving, eternal God. As Jesus said shortly before His crucifixion, “You do not realise now what I am doing, but later you will understand” (John 13:7 NIV).

Despite our most recent feelings, we must remember the God of our entire lives. Especially when our present circumstances make Him seem silent or even absent.

It’s how hope survives in the worst circumstances.

An inscription found on the wall of a World War 2 concentration camp cellar says it best:

“I believe in the sun
even when it is not shining.
I believe in love,
even when there’s no one there.
And I believe in God,
even when He is silent.”