Remembering: A Discipline That Leads to Worship

Years ago my friend Heather gave me a “thankful journal.” It was a small blank notebook to record things I was thankful for. She wrote out Psalm 73:26 on the first page…“I have put my trust in God that I may declare all Your works.”

I have since filled the pages with thousands of entries that serve as a reminder of the people, places, and events God has blessed me with and, when intentionally recollected, has used in my life to help keep my eyes fixed on Him. They point to the character, faithfulness, provision, and goodness of God Himself.

From my journal:

#77 – majestic Blue Ridge mountains

#186 – dogs lying contently against the radiator on a cold day

#980 – the beauty of the Lord

#981 – breath

Recently, I realized my husband, Kevin, had been reading through my journal when I recognized the floral patterned cover in his hand while he was preaching at our church one Sunday morning. He used it as an illustration, and while I am thankful he did not commence to read aloud from it (maybe that will be entry #1,470), I was compelled to later revisit the pages and remember God's faithfulness while meditating on His benefits from the text of my husband’s message:

Psalm 103:2“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not His benefits…”

The Call to Remember

Remember, remember, remember — God repeatedly whispers this, and perhaps loudly commands it at times in the Bible. The Old Testament uses the Hebrew word “zakar” or “remember” 235 times. It means to recall to mind; bring to remembrance; or be mindful of.

While it is sometimes used to speak of God remembering, such as “remembering His covenant,” it is often used to speak of His people remembering — either as an exhortation or a sad commentary on how the Israelites did not remember their God. For example, Psalm 105:5 commands us to:

“Remember the wondrous works that he has done,his miracles, and the judgments he uttered…”

What benefits or rewards are we to remember, according to Psalm 103:2–5?

• His forgiving all our sins

• His healing now and ultimately

• His redeeming of our lives from the pit so we are no longer enemies but heirs

• His crowning us with steadfast love and mercy

• His satisfying us with good things

#181 – God is Healer

#182 – God is Sustainer

#183 – God is Immanuel

The New Testament Points Us to Remember, Too

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminded us of our:

“redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)

In Philippians, Paul set an example for us as he remembered His God and God’s character. He also recalled his fellow believers (1:3) and the deep relationships they had forged; their love for the gospel; and that the gospel continued to go forth despite his imprisonment. Paul recalled their love for him and their genuine faith and unity in the body.

#28 – tree lined streets

#44 – cool mornings after a hot summer

#1,064 – the sound of the dryer with clean clothes

#1,113 – having everything that pertains to life and godliness

Why Are We to Remember?

Would such a repetitive command throughout the Bible lead one to conclude that we are a forgetful people? Yes, it can firmly be established that we are in constant need of remembering, as we live in our fleshly, temporal bodies.

As with “compassion,” true “remembering” is not intended to be an isolated, fleeting thought that appears, produces an emotional response, and then evaporates once again from memory. Rather, it should lead to action.

Paul’s remembrance of God’s goodness and provision led to rejoicing and thanksgiving. In remembering God’s deeds and His character, we, too, are spurred on to thanksgiving. Thanksgiving glorifies God and ultimately leads to our contentment in Him.

Paul stated he had learned to be content and rejoice.

How can we find contentment and even rejoice despite walking a difficult journey and having unmet needs?

Because we rest in the sufficiency of Christ alone and in God’s purpose, knowing He is at work achieving something far greater. We are in temporal bodies, so our focus naturally goes to the here and now, especially when we are in pain physically or emotionally.

Now cloaked in His righteousness, we have the Spirit to help us have a “bigger picture” mentality like Paul.

Our thanksgiving will spill over into the lives of others because we are Christ-centered and not self-centered.

Petty squabbles fade. Unity blossoms within the church.The gospel is spread because we remember why we’re really here.

We can learn to be content, too.It’s a discipline that takes repetition and diligence to cultivate.And it starts with remembering.

#1160 – planting a shade garden

#1451 – a new trail to walk

#1166 – the empty tomb

How Are We to Remember?

• Start a daily thankful journal.Exercise your remembrance muscle with consistency.

• Model this practice for those in your sphere of influence — parents, spouse, children, and grandchildren. Involve them by setting aside time at meals or in the car to express gratitude. Record their ideas in a family journal or enlist an older child to write down the ideas.

• Write a note to relatives, neighbors, and coworkers on their birthdays (or anytime) to remind them (and yourself) of God’s faithfulness in what He has accomplished in their lives.

• Create a collection of memorial stones.Keep a jar on the kitchen counter or bookshelf with stones that represent who God is and what He has done. Add to them over time as God answers prayers or provides for you in specific ways. It will be a great conversation starter for those who visit your home!

• Write out your testimony for your family.

• Memorize Scripture that reminds you of God’s faithfulness. You will have it to draw strength from anywhere, anytime.

#48 – pain that I will appreciate health

#50 – His presence

The Outcome of Remembering: Worship

It is significant to me that David began Psalm 103 with worship.

How awesome that our constant discipline of recalling God’s faithfulness produces worship. When we remember who God is and all of His benefits, not only are we being obedient and honoring to the Lord, but we learn to practice fixing our gaze on Him no matter what.

Now, let’s “walk it” or put it into action:

• In what ways or at what times do you remember the Lord?

• What step can you take to consistently develop this discipline in your life?

-Martha Spencer