Today we’re going to talk about remembering. There are SO many things we could say about the word remember that I almost don’t even know quite where to begin.
Some of you may think I didn’t “remember” to write this blog, because I am a couple of weeks late. Others may want to “remind” me of my commitment to honor God with my obedience, instead of my delayed responses and procrastination….
Whatever side of the fence you may be on, the lesson for today is the importance of remembering.
“I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works.” Habakkuk 3:2
Remembering is important. Our shared stories give us our identity and shape the way we live. That is true of any family, community, or nation. And it is especially true for God’s people.
“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderous deeds. Exult his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.” Psalm 105:1-4
There are ten commands in these verses encompassing worship, evangelism, allegiance, trust, communion—all of the Christian life is right here in these four verses.
But how are we to fulfill these commands? The answer is through one final command: Remember.
“Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles and the rulings he has given, you children of his servant Abraham, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones. He is the Lord our God. His justice is seen throughout the land.” Psalm 105:5-7
This is the perfect picture of Habakkuk’s letter to God. He exemplifies all of these remembrances and we should do the same.
My husband Mark and I had one of the most restorative, moving, purifying and emotional times of worship and prayer recently. We had been in a season of despair and angst of our own for quite some time. This particular week, it seemed the enemies attack on our family was more than we could bear. We were worn and at our end. With nothing left to give and nothing new to say or pray (I thought), we reached out to our pastor, Rusty Gunn and asked if he would come to the house and pray with us. It seemed a last resort as all of our efforts had felt in vain.
Rusty came as soon as he could and graciously listened as we poured out our hearts in fear and anxiousness at the situation. He listened intently and asked a lot of questions.
Then he asked us to remember. Remember and say out loud who God is and who he is to us personally.
God you are: my Savior, my redeemer, my father, my friend, my creator, my guide, my strength and my comfort. Lord you are my healer, my protector, my provider. You are my author and creator. My sustainer. Lord you are my life. You are the breath in my lungs. Everything I have is from you Lord. You are my peace. You are my past, my present and you are my future.
Remember and say out loud, what God has done for me in the past.
God you gave me the gift of salvation and eternal life through your son Jesus Christ. You gave me your spirit who lives within me. The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in me. God you gave that to me! God you have cleansed me and made me new. Made me whole. You have forgiven me. Freed me from addiction. Freed me from the things I placed before you. Lord you redeemed marriage and family for me. You’ve given me a family. Those that are blood and those that are not. You’ve called me and given me a purpose in you. You’ve declared me your child. I am yours and you are mine! Amen!
Remember and say out loud, what I believe God will do for me.
God I believe you will make a way where there seems to be none. God you will go before me and light the way, you will go behind me and provide a cloud of covering and you will walk beside me. Wherever you go, Lord I will follow. God if it is your will, this job will come to pass and it will open the door for me to share the gospel with those I wouldn’t have the opportunity to otherwise. God you will bring our son Hunter home, just like the prodigal son came home, so we can embrace and celebrate him just like you celebrate me. God you will equip us for the call to ministry you’ve placed on our lives. God you will call others to go with us and change the course of history in the lives of those that will surrender to you in Jesus Holy Name. God you will be in my words and you will be in my actions. You will provide everything because you are everything to me. Amen! Amen! And Amen!!
Remembering isn't passive, it is an action that brings the power of Jesus into our lives. As we remember what He has done, it enables us to stop focusing on impossibility and instead focus on the God who does the impossible.
“In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.” Habakkuk 3:2
Help us again as you did in years gone by. Do it again, Lord!
In remembering God’s works in Scripture and in our lives, we are strengthened in our faith. A strengthened faith results in praise that comes more easily and prayers that flow more readily.
Ultimately, we are better equipped to strengthen the faith of others and glorify God in our remembering.
Exchange your forgetting, your worry and your fear for God’s goodness and faithfulness. Trust God to do it again, because you know and remember he’s done it before.
