The pages of a journal, photos of an album, and conversations of a family tell stories. Every once in a while, you may peek back in time for the enchantment of reliving precious moments. Looking back isn’t always pleasurable, but it always provides perspective.
Reminiscing can be organized, like when a loved one passes away, or spontaneous, like when a song catches you by surprise on the radio. I tend toward nostalgia at key periods in my life, but lately I have been reflecting more intentionally, for no reason other than to remember what God has done and praise Him for it.
Psalm 77 expresses, “I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, ‘Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.’ Then my spirit made a diligent search … I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds” (5-6, 11-12).
Scripture’s frequent command is to consider God’s fullness and call to mind His work.
“You shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that He might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not … You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” – Deuteronmony 8:2, 18
“Forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” – Psalm 103:2-5
When Jacob appealed to God at a critical time, he cast his gaze backward too. “I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love,” he confessed, “and all the faithfulness that You have shown to Your servant” (Genesis 32:10).
Indeed, the prophets not only confirm God’s faithfulness in the past, but affirm it in the future.
“You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as You have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.” – Micah 7:20
Never once has God changed. Never once has God failed. He is perfectly consistent, lovingly attentive, and eternally enthroned. Whether I revisit prayers from years past or laugh with family about days gone by, I am reminded of God’s steadfast love.
In the midst of trouble, on the brink of change, or on a very ordinary day, God’s presence (and memory of it) sustains me … until one day I will know in full and never be apart.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23:6
Abby
