November 8

Anytime I read from God’s Word, I like to view it as an opportunity to learn. I understand that God is always speaking through His written word, but I especially love the stories found in the Bible of people just like us. Stories that encompass their whole lives; their failures, triumphs and everything in between. The Bible doesn’t leave out the “bad days” and I believe we benefit from that. This way, when we read their lives, we see glimpses of ourselves. We can relate in weakness and anticipate the triumphs they experienced.

As I read Psalm 106 today, I highlighted the verses that stuck with me. When I pulled away from the passage and glanced over the entire chapter, I noticed a commonality in the verses I had marked. If I designated a theme for this chapter, I would probably have gone with the forgiveness of God or the multitude of His mercies. I assumed I would write this piece on one of those two subjects. However, what kept resonating with me was Israel’s ability to so easily forget the mighty deeds of their God. The writer of this Psalm points out a few of God’s stupendous acts. He writes about God delivering Israel from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think I could ever forget seeing my enemies being washed away (literally)! I don’t think the writer was implying that Israel was suffering from memory loss.

Israel did what we often do and that is to fail to keep God’s greatness in the forefront of our minds. We, just like Israel quickly shift from a song of victory to a desperate cry of fear when all we see is wasteland. We do this because we have already forgotten where God has brought us from and the marvelous acts He has performed in our lives. Throughout scripture, God emphasizes man’s need to remember His great deeds and to meditate on His wonders. Moses told Israel in regards to keeping the ordinances of the law, “When your children ask, “Why do we do this?” to remind them of the mighty acts God had performed on their journey to the promise land.

So it is with us. When we ask ourselves ,“Why do I live for Christ?” or “Why do I continue to believe for a miracle when all seems lost?”, we then remind ourselves of God’s mighty deeds throughout our journey. The “Red Sea” He parted when He delivered us from the depths of our depression. Or how He rescued us from the grip of our oppressor, whether it was poverty, promiscuity or fear. You see, when we forget God’s supernatural acts or His faithfulness, we silence the songs of thanksgiving and praise that should come from our lips. But, when we meditate on God’s goodness, the overflow of our lips will always be the highest of praise. We will always have a song in the wilderness!

So whether you are looking out at a wasteland or rejoicing in triumph, remember your God. Remember He that rescued you from death and punitive exile. Remember He who adopted you and called you His own. Remember His goodness that pervades every facet of your life.

Psalm 103:2-5 is applicable. It reads, “Praise the Lord, o my soul, and forget not all His benefits. He who forgives all of your sins and heals all of your diseases. He who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. He satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. “

Warmly,

Lauryn