Promise:
We build trust and faith in God by remembering all that He has done.
Passage:
The command “remember” is said at least 62 times in the Bible consistent with the theology that faithfulness flows from memory.
Sometimes memory needs a nudge and this is the power of writing. The bible authors themselves were motivated to keep an account to help people remember the works of God throughout millenia. Moses wrote down the law that was given him (Deuteronomy 31). Luke sought to create an “orderly account” through his Gospel and Acts of the Apostles so that readers might “know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:1-4).
The Psalms are full of accounts in poetry and lyrics that seek to remember God’s goodness and acts of power. Consider the following which recalls the creation, the exodus, and starts with the admonition to remember.
Psalms 77:11-20
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
12 I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
13 Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
14 You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
16 The waters saw you, God,
the waters saw you and writhed;
the very depths were convulsed.
17 The clouds poured down water,
the heavens resounded with thunder;
your arrows flashed back and forth.
18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
your lightning lit up the world;
the earth trembled and quaked.
19 Your path led through the sea,
your way through the mighty waters,
though your footprints were not seen.
20 You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
A friend of mine keeps a journal of miracles. He only records things that he believes could only be explained as acts of God in his live and those around him. When things happen to him, small or large, he records the in his journal. And then on days when he feels alone or his faith is waivering, he goes back and reads the personal accounts he has recorded and is reminded of all God has meant to him. Those who have kept prayer request and answer journals can attest to the same. Remembering builds faith and faith is the true foundation of obedience and love.
Practice:
Starting below and for the next few days, create a list of all the things God has done for you. Note miracles, memories, answered prayers, unanswered prayers (we need to thank God for more of those), and anything that you believe your future self would benefit from remembering. These could be painful times that He saw you through as you now look back. These could be joyful times that He created for you.
Note: It could be a private journal or something you intend to share more broadly, that is a personal choice. The entries can be written as stories, song lyrics, poems, or the like, but should be specific enough to allow for recall long after the details of the event have been forgotten to time.
Pause:
Write your first entry (or few) below. Thank God at the end of each for His provision, protection, and personal salvation.
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