Remembering

“Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.” – Isaiah 46:9.

Our day-to-day lives are mostly spent doing ordinary, routine activities such as working, sleeping, and eating. The few hours, if any, that remain are normally dedicated to family, friends, hobbies, entertainment, and pursuing a relationship with our Lord and Savior. We want to feel the presence of God every day in a deeper way, but often God does not feel present. In those times, I think it is important to pause and remind ourselves of who God is and all He has done. 

God knows our propensity to get involved in so many things that we push God to the background, yet the reality is He has never left our side. To a frightened Israel facing a formidable enemy, God said:

“Perhaps you will think to yourselves, ‘How can we ever conquer these nations that are so much more powerful than we are?’ But don’t be afraid of them! Just remember what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all the land of Egypt. Remember the great terrors the Lord your God sent against them. You saw it all with your own eyes! And remember the miraculous signs and wonders, and the strong hand and powerful arm with which he brought you out of Egypt. The Lord your God will use this same power against all the people you fear.”  (Deuteronomy 7:17-19)

Remembering how God delivered us should remind us of His presence. We haven’t fled Pharaoh, but we have stories of our own. Instead of chariots, we have an errand child. Instead of a ruthless ruler, we have faced finding a job where there does not seem to be any. Yet as we look back, we can see God’s presence in a friend who talked to our child, a company executive who hired you when it seemed hopeless. God is always present. 

We see examples of God’s presence and provision throughout the Bible. When David led God’s people in restoring the Ark of the Covenant to its rightful place, he taught them a song of thanks to the LORD, saying, “Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given,” (1 Chronicles 16:12)  David then listed some of those miracles and judgments, culminating in verse 36, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! And all the people shouted “Amen!” and praised the Lord.” (1 Chronicles 16:36)

As a Pastor, my ability to lead effectively in worship and ministry depends upon being able to worship God regardless of present circumstances. But there have been times when I have awakened in the morning with, shall I say, a less than spirited heart toward God. But then I pause to remember the faithfulness of God. I pause to remember how His presence and His provision has sustained me through some tough times. The practice of remembering sends a bolt of energy through me and sets me on His path again. Take time today to remember all that God has done for you. Thank Him for His presence and praise Him for all the amazing things He has done for you.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we daily remember who we are, and reverently keeping in mind who God is?
2. Read 2 Samuel 6:5: King David danced in celebration and sang before the Lord with all his might. How do you celebrate before God?
3. What has God done in your life recently that deserves remembrance and celebration?