Louise Gevers

“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people ...” Psalm 77:11-15

We spend so much of our busy lives having to remember things that we don’t naturally think of ‘remembering’ as a reason to celebrate. Mundane things like remembering to take food out of the freezer for supper or filling the car don’t seem worth celebrating, despite the obvious benefits. Much like when we breathe a sigh of relief when we’re finally on our way on holiday and know that the stress of remembering everything in its preparation was worth it.

What we love to remember are beautiful moments in our lives, celebrating them with photos and keepsakes, and remembering special days. Some people renew their wedding vows after many years of marriage to celebrate their love. These are happy things. People in a relationship with God, like the psalmist, love to remember and delight in the special things He has done, and give thanks for them. When we do this, we grow in faith and trust.

The wise writer of Ecclesiastes advises, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them’ ...” (Ecclesiastes 12:1) The earlier in life we form a relationship with God, the better, as we are fresh, open to the truth and have a greater capacity for trust, as we have not been fooled by the subtle misrepresentations of the world, and difficult experiences have not yet hardened our hearts. Remembering our Creator in our youth provides a firm foundation for our lives, and the celebrations are everlasting.

In today’s verse, the psalmist, who has an intimate knowledge of God, is remembering every good, great and wonderful thing about Him and His interaction with people. Looking more closely, we realize that he’s been in a state of anguish, perplexed because God appears not to be hearing his agonized prayers for help, despite his perseverance: “When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.” (Psalm 77:2-3)

In the midst of his distress, he doesn’t stop believing and turn away from God, but is inspired to record all the evidence he has of God’s greatness; by remembering God’s power in doing these amazing things his faith flourishes. We all experience sleepless nights at one time or another as we struggle with anxiety about things we can’t understand. The psalmist shows us to remember what God has done; remember His might; remember His miracles; remember He is God. He will bring us peace and sleep, and transform the tough times into experiences to make us strong, firm and steadfast.

Remember God first and celebrate.

Prayer: Dear Lord, “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:6-8) I remember You and rejoice. Amen.