Dana Rongione

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Remember, Again?

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A few days ago, I spoke with you about the urging of Moses to remember. Remember who God is. Remember what He’s done. Remember who you are in Christ. Don’t forget. This is important! And to prove it’s importance, I showed you the many times it was mentioned just in the book of Deuteronomy.

Interestingly enough, the very next day, I was reading some random passages through the Psalms (my favorite book of the Bible), and I “stumbled upon” a chapter where Asaph, the psalmist, was stressing the importance of remembering. Coincidence? I think not. I believe God is trying to make a point here, and whether it’s for you or me, I don’t know. So, I will heed it for myself and share it with you, and that way, we’re all covered.

In Psalm 77, Asaph spends the first nine-and-a-half verses in a royal pity party. It isn’t pleasant. He’s crying and complaining. Despite seeking comfort from the Lord, he can’t shake his foul mood. He questions God and doubts His goodness. And the worst part of this pitiful scene is that it’s all too familiar to me. I’ve been in the same place, and it’s a dark, painful place to be. Fortunately, Asaph understood how to get out of that pit of despair, and he shares it with us beginning in verse 10.

And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled. The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad. The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook. Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. - Psalm 77:10-20

It’s like woe is me, woe is me, woe is me…but I will remember. I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. I will remember the works of the Lord. I will remember thy wonders of old. And not only will I remember, but I’ll meditate on it. I’ll chew on it for a while. I’ll let those memories consume me until all I can think about is how good God is and how He has come through for His children time and time again.  

I love how the last thing he mentions is the Wilderness Wanderings, the setting for the many “remembers” in Deuteronomy.

From these two passages, we can glean so much about the importance of remembering Who God is, what He’s done for us, and who we are in Him. Not only will it keep us on the right path, following in His commands, but it will also:

  • Keep us humble.

  • Make us grateful.

  • Ensure we keep the faith.

  • Make us joyful.

  • Keep us out of the pit of despair.

  • Keep our eyes focused on Christ and heavenly things.

  • Keep our minds focused on Christ and heavenly things.

  • Keep our attitudes right.

  • Make us want to share Him with others.

I don’t want to drag this on, but I do hope I’ve instilled in you a better understanding of how vital it is for us to remember. To set our minds on Who God is, what He’s done, and who we are in Him. Life would be so much better if we would focus on these things instead of all the things that weigh us down and cause us to lose sight.  

Oh, friends, let’s not forget. Life is too meaningful. We must remember!!!