Do Not Forget

Remember [carefully] the former things [which I did] from ages past; For I am God, and there is no one else; I am God, and there is no one like Me.

Isaiah 46:9 amp

Have you ever noticed repeated words or phrases in the Bible? Over the years, we may have heard about how many times the word fear or love appears in the Bible. Repetition helps emphasize a point and helps the listener recall something important. Sometimes certain phrases are repeated in the same chapter or verse. One key command word that is repeated throughout scripture is remember.

In the Old Testament, the word remember appears between 121–137 times (depending on the Bible translation). To remember means “to recall to the mind by an act or effort; to have something come into the mind again.”8 And “to have something come to mind again” requires that we recognize something in the first place. In Deuteronomy 4:9, God used Moses to command the Israelites to bring to mind again all the ways they had seen God work on their behalf. The act of remembering provided a time for thanksgiving but it was also important during times of suffering, when life was not going as smoothly as anticipated.

The same command applies to us. When we take time to bring to mind again all the things the Lord has done for us, brought us through, healed us from, we will be strengthened in the current circumstance, knowing that God is still our provider. In biblical times, God’s people built standing stones or pillars so the current generation could mark a time and place where God watched over them. The standing stones also served as a marker for foreigners who traveled through the land, so they might come to know the significance of the stones.

Throughout our lives, during times of blessing as well as trial, what standing stones have we erected as markers of how God has taken care of us?

Sometimes, to overcome a hurdle before us, we don’t need to search for new truth or understanding of God so much as we need to live out what we already know.

Amy Layne Litzelman

Remembering God’s work in the past has a sustaining and renewing effect during times of spiritual drought. Memory and worship are thus keys to a long life of spiritual formation.

Richard J. Foster

We survive the packages for pain God allows in our lives by remembering who God is and what he has done in the past.

Linda Dillow

For Further Reflection

Exodus 13:3; Psalm 77:11; Psalm 143:5

Today’s Prayer

Lord, your track record in my life has been perfect. As I face this new challenge, please help me to remember your reputation. Amen.