Remember?
August 27th, 2008
Scripture:
“I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.” Psalm 143:5-6
Observation:
The psalmist is in the middle of major suffering brought on by his enemies. In this passage, he recounts God’s astounding previous works, remembers his power to deliver and then calls out to God to save him again. The psalmist is broken, remembering and seeking God’s saving powers.
Application:
It always amazes me at how poor my memory is. I’ve never really had a great memory (more of a selective memory) but it seems that as I get older I forget more and more and recently, I have begun to think that possibly something is wrong with me. I forget to take my medicine, to go to the bank, to bring things home from work, I forget names, where my keys are and even where I’ve parked. What is happening to me? Whatever this phenomenon is, it seems to also happen when I’m in trouble or in need. I have a tendency to go through life, just doing my own thing, inserting God here and there and then when there is a major upset such as a sickness or a loss or a disaster, I immediately hit the panic mode. I start trying to figure out what I can do, what I can offer and then lastly, I turn to God. In my panic stricken prayer, I cry out to God for deliverance just hoping for some relief not remembering the awesomeness of my Lord and Savior. Why do I forget that he saved me from sin, that he lifted me out of illness, or that he provides for me on a daily basis? Why am I so quick to forget and turn to self? My God has done so much for so many and continues to do so daily, yet I withdraw in pain and slide into depression over stressors. This verse reminds me that all we have to do in times of trouble is to start by remembering, simply ask and then wait expectantly for the one who always provides.
It always amazes me at how poor my memory is. I’ve never really had a great memory (more of a selective memory) but it seems that as I get older I forget more and more and recently, I have begun to think that possibly something is wrong with me. I forget to take my medicine, to go to the bank, to bring things home from work, I forget names, where my keys are and even where I’ve parked. What is happening to me? Whatever this phenomenon is, it seems to also happen when I’m in trouble or in need. I have a tendency to go through life, just doing my own thing, inserting God here and there and then when there is a major upset such as a sickness or a loss or a disaster, I immediately hit the panic mode. I start trying to figure out what I can do, what I can offer and then lastly, I turn to God. In my panic stricken prayer, I cry out to God for deliverance just hoping for some relief not remembering the awesomeness of my Lord and Savior. Why do I forget that he saved me from sin, that he lifted me out of illness, or that he provides for me on a daily basis? Why am I so quick to forget and turn to self? My God has done so much for so many and continues to do so daily, yet I withdraw in pain and slide into depression over stressors. This verse reminds me that all we have to do in times of trouble is to start by remembering, simply ask and then wait expectantly for the one who always provides.
Prayer:
Lord, Help me to always remember who you are! You are the “I Am,” my Healer, the Alpha and the Omega, and my Provider. Nothing is impossible through you. Help me to know you intimately and thus seek you first regardless of the circumstances. Make me ever mindful of your great strength and love for me thus giving me an unquenchable desire for you.
— Tiffany Fennell, preschool minister, Madison campus