As I was growing up (and still to this day), my mom often encouraged me to remember the things that God did for me and our family over the years. We often wrote down the prayers that He answered and the ways that He provided for our needs. This practice has helped me to remember who God is and to rest in the knowledge that He is faithful and sovereign over all things.
In Nehemiah chapter 9, the people of Israel did the same thing. They listed aspects of God’s character and marvelous things that He has done. Verses 9-15 recount God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and the rest of the chapter talks about the history of God’s providence and Israel’s disobedience. Verse 32- 33 says, “Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us, upon our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day. Yet you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly.”
I encourage you to take some time this week to read Nehemiah chapter 9 and to remember the ways God delivered and took care of His people, and then take some time to make a list of some of the ways that God has delivered and cared for you and your family over the years. While it’s not always wise to dwell on the past, it is always good to remember God’s provision.
Sometimes we need to remember the very tangible and practical things that God has provided. Have you ever wondered how you were going to pay rent? Did God provide? How? Sometimes we need to remember different types of things that God has provided. Are you a parent struggling to find joy in parenting? Perhaps you need to recall that scripture tells us that children are a blessing from the Lord. (Ps. 127:3-5) Are you frustrated with your spouse? Maybe you need to remember that marriage is a gift that not only benefits us, but also provides an example of Christ and the Church. Have you been disappointed by the Church? Maybe you need to remember that the Church is the Bride of Christ, provided by Him to give us community, to sanctify us, and to encourage us.
Whatever you need to remember this week, write it down and praise God for it. As Psalm 150:2 says, “Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness”.
0 Comments