REMEMBER GOD’S WORKS (1)

“I WILL REMEMBER the WORKS of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old” – Psalm 77:11

The Bible underlines the need to constantly REMEMBER GOD’S WORKS: “I WILL REMEMBER the WORKS of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also MEDITATE on ALL YOUR WORK, and talk of Your deeds” (Psa.77: 11-12). The Psalmist knew the Value of God’s Works and committed to remembering, meditating on, and talking of God’s Works and Deeds. Some of the strongest hindrances to spiritual growth are daily distractions that take our eyes off of Jesus and divert our focus onto our personal cares, comfort, and conveniences. Many believers start each day with good intentions but soon find themselves bombarded with information that clutter their thoughts, fuel negative emotions, and derail growth. Psalm 77 teaches about an ancient and powerful tool to combat distractions and discouragement – Remembrance.

First, the psalmist, Asaph, acknowledged being in a tough place. His world appeared to be falling apart. God seemed distant, and he didn’t know what to do. Even if we aren’t in as dire a situation as this, we can relate to being overwhelmed with a lot of modern-day stress; and when in distress, we tend to try to manipulate our circumstances to be what we want them to be. Remembrance is a better response (vv.11-12). As we remember and reflect on God’s faithful deeds, our current worries, fears, and anxieties begin to fade into the background. Even if they are not immediately removed, we receive an eternal perspective to viewing them. Too often we dwell on present, personal challenges rather than God’s generational intentions.

Concerning the “WORKS of the LORD” and “Wonders of old,” the psalmist specifically recalled how God showed His power on behalf of His people through the exodus from Egypt and parting the Red Sea – tangible demonstrations of His victory over the forces of chaos and oppression. He who parted the sea is still present and active in our lives as well. He proceeded to ponder or meditate on God’s work (v.12). To ponder is to think about something carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion. To meditate is to think deeply or carefully about something for a period of time. These infer that remembering is active and intentional. It’s a discipline that helps us disconnect from worry and fear by connecting us to the Grace and Hope we have in God. It is important to pause and remember what God has done in our lives.

God isn’t distant or uncaring. He’s our personal Redeemer who calms, orders, and transforms our inner world. God has moved throughout all of history, and He has moved throughout our story as well. How we remember our past transforms our present and directs our future. As we intentionally ponder and meditate on God’s works and deeds, we position ourselves to intimately experience His grace and Peace. Let’s take a few moments and reflect on the ways God has moved in our lives, and spend time in prayer thanking Him for all He has done. Whatever the obstacles and struggles we might be facing, let’s exercise faith that the God who got us to this point will get us through these barriers as well.

Beloved, let’s thank God that throughout history He has been longingly working to restore creation and humanity to their original glory. His works and deeds bring us comfort and strengthen our faith. Remembering God’s Goodness moves us to respond to our world in Hope rather than fear. Remembering His Love for us fuels our love for others. The discipline of remembering inspires us to act aright and in alignment with God’s Will, and to view all we experience through the lens of His Grace and Mercy. Throughout the Bible, God’s people are exhorted to place their trust in Him and join Him as He restores and redeems our world. He empowers us to be Vessels of Hope to others as we share His works and Wonders in our lives.

Beloved, let’s remember Psalm 16:8 – “I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.”