Remembering

Some trust in chariots,

and some in horses:

but we will remember the

name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 20:7

I don't think you and I remember enough, at least about the good things, that have transpired in past days of our lives. If anything, we are quick to regurgitate all of the bad, ugly things of failures, mistakes and misfortunes of the past. For some reason, in the last several hours, I've been doing some remembering and it's been a delightful journey. No matter the difficult days we have faced, and everyone has faced any number of those, we should put forth an effort in simple gratitude to the Lord to remember His goodness to us whether in recalling the good things of our pasts or lessons learned in the negative times.

A few examples might be to remember the excitement/joy/happiness of:

• your first paycheck
• that first date
• vacations during childhood
• visit to a favorite relatives house
• high school graduation
• wedding/marriage
• first baby
• salvation
• answered prayers
• first car
• first apartment/house
• receiving your first Bible
  

The list could go on and on. For some, a few things on that list may not be applicable. However, we are blessed people both present and past. Anyone alive and breathing can think back to some blessed times in their lives despite times of great difficulty.

Scripture often refers to remembering. In Scripture, we find that God remembers. In the old Testament, so many times we read of God remembering His covenant with His people. This covenant was promised to Abraham, a man who knew very little about God. This covenant was handed down from Abraham through following generations. There were any number of times I'm sure God felt like wiping out the children of Israel but His promise, that covenant remained active and viable. God never forgot it and remembered often that covenant of the continuing preservation of His own children.

We are told in Scripture to remember some things as well.

*************************************************

Remember the sabbath day,

to keep it holy.

Exodus 20:8

I realize we are no longer under the Law and that we don't even have a sabbath as such. However, it's sad to me that we have lost a certain respect for our day of worship. When a little girl, my grandmother would spend Sundays with us. She would never crochet, sew a ripped seam or go anywhere entertaining. It was the Lord's day to her and was for church and little activity. It would bother her if I went bike riding with friends...it was Sunday. As strict as that may sound, I look at what has happened to that day for most Christians. Some are doing well just getting to Sunday morning church, and forget attending Sunday night. After church, the day is for lots of activity with little thought for the Lord or even brief times for meditation. At the end of six days of creation, God reserved a day for rest. Why shouldn't that principle carry over to us now even if we aren't under the Law anymore.

***********************************

I remember the days of old; I

meditate on all thy works; I muse on

the works of thy hands.

Psalm 143:5

This verse really speaks for itself. How often do we look back to former days with the purpose of just thinking and meditating on the mighty works of God either in our lives or in our surroundings. I marvel everyday that I wake up, look out a window at beautiful mountains. They are His work, the work of His wonderful creative hands.

***************************************

Remember that Jesus Christ of

the seed of David was raised

from the dead, according to

my gospel...

II Timothy 2:8

As I write, we are just a week from having celebrated Easter Sunday. How often have we given the resurrection of Jesus a second or third thought since that Sunday? Hardly a day should pass but what we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus, done for each of us in a very personal way.

****************************************

I, even I, am he that blotteth out

thy transgressions for mine own sake,

and will not remember thy sins.

Isaiah 43:25

This is a truth that is not just found here but in other areas of Scripture as well. I'm so grateful for this kind of forgiveness God extends to us. Sometimes in our humanity, with the least offense, there are those who would cross us out of their lives. I don't understand that but I rest in the fact that as I repent before God for my sin, His forgiveness is so unconditional that my sin is not remembered anymore by Him.

We are also given some cautions to remember as well.

********************************

Remember Lot's wife.

Luke 17:32

It's just an ever so brief statement...a rather short verse....but for anyone who knows Scripture, the meaning behind this verse is obvious. In her escape with husband and family from their home town of debauchery, Lot's wife turned around and looked back. God had been very plain about that and to turn and look back was rebellion and disobedience. She paid the highest of prices for that momentary glance over her shoulder. We are cautioned by that small verse to remember how important obedience is to God and that a rebellious spirit can be very costly.

****************************************

Remember the former things of old:

for I am God, and there is none

else; I am God, and there is

none like me.

Isaiah 46:9

My, my...we could pull over and park here for awhile. God wants us to remember former things...learning from the negatives and so appreciating the positives. We can turn to every source of comfort, love and security but the bottom line is that HE is God and there is NONE like Him. Could almost have a happy fit just over the depth of this verse.

When little, my Mother would often emphasize something she told me by saying, “Don't you ever forget this.” I knew with that brief statement that what she had just said was more than important...it was probably necessary to my well-being. There is so much in Scripture with regard to remembering the best we can, the things of God...lapses in spiritual memory not allowed.

As I view the state of our nation, I read a verse in Habakkuk (3:2) that reminded me of where we are as a nation. It was Habakkuk's job as one of God's prophets to warn the people of God's wrath and future consequences for their unrepentant, sinful state. Perhaps this verse could also be a prayer of ours speaking as we view the sorry, spiritual condition we as a nation find ourselves in.

O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. Amen

Habakkuk 3:2