I can forget where I have left my phone within minutes. Then I have to retrace my steps to remember where I placed it. Maybe you’ll be able to relate.
One thing the Israelites were told over and over again was to remember God’s dramatic rescue of them from slavery in Egypt. Their grumbling makes me think they forgot easily! It was like they had to retrace their steps to remember how God had saved them in the past, which would help them trust him in the present and the future.Â
Remembering matters in our daily lives, too. Not just little things like where we put our phone or keys, but remembering God’s goodness to us. Our lives are so busy and move so fast, we often try to deal with stresses, fatigue, and disappointments without taking time to remember God’s faithfulness. His faithfulness to us in the past can give us rock-solid confidence for the present and future.
Moses told the people not once but twice, as he gave the ten commandments, to remember:
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm (Deuteronomy 5:15).
The book of Deuteronomy and the Psalms are full of references to remembrance of what God had done in Egypt. Over and over, as the Israelites sang and prayed the Psalms, they would have retraced their steps and been strengthened to trust God again.
Remembering God’s faithfulness feeds our faith. If you and I remember what God has done for us in the past, it helps us trust him with whatever we are facing today.
Not only does remembering strengthen our faith, but it gives us a heart of gratitude.
Over the next few days, I invite you to remember the good things God has done for you, so you know you can rely on him again and so you can give gratitude to him. Let’s get started.
In Psalm 18 below, David remembered how God came to his assistance, how God helped him. Like David, make this verse your prayer of thankfulness:
You’re the bedrock beneath my feet, my faith-fortress, my wonderful deliverer, my God, my rock of rescue where none can reach me. You’re the shield around me, the mighty power that saves me.
Psalm 18:2 TPT
David’s gratitude flowed from his memory of what God had done. He recalled God’s rescue and found renewed strength.
Each of these prayers below will help you practice remembering. But, not just thinking back. You can worship God with gratitude for what he has done in the past, and place your trust in him for the present and the future.
Prayer 1
( Fill in the blanks with a specific situation.)
Heavenly Father, I thank you that because I am your child, you make me stand on firm ground. Help me remember this week all the good things you have done for me in the past—
- how you’ve shown me your love: ______________________________
- how you’ve turned around a situation when I’ve come to you for help: ______________________________
- how you have surrounded me and kept me safe when I was afraid: ______________________________
- how you have been with me in dark times: ______________________________
- how you have rescued me from harm and fought for me: ______________________________
I will remember you are an amazing God. Amen.
As you remember what God has done in the past, be reminded that God doesn’t change.
But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow (James 1:17 TLB)
As you remember how God has come through for you in the past, use this prayer to place your trust in him and to ask him to meet your needs today.
Prayer 2
Heavenly Father, I remember how you have come through for me in the past, and I put my trust in you by __________________________________________
I can see how you have provided and brought me this far so I ask you to provide __________________________________________
Today, I am trusting you by __________________________________________
Amen.
As prayer strengthens your own trust in God, pray for one person today who needs to remember what God has done for him/her in the past so he/she can trust him in the present.
Prayer 3
Today I pray for: _________________________________ Amen.
What have you forgotten about God’s goodness that has caused you to not trust him today or that has led you to go your own way?
Prayer 4
Lord, forgive me for _________________________________ Amen.
God rescued the Israelites from slavery when they cried to him for help. In the same way, God rescued you from slavery when you turned to Jesus. Remembering the cross is where God’s goodness is fully revealed.
Christ has set us free to live a free life (Galatians 5:1 MSG).
Prayer 5
Show your gratitude to God for the life he has given you through Jesus.
Heavenly Father, thank you for _________________________________
When we remember, gratitude and trust in God grows stronger.
Psalm 107 (MSG) begins:
Oh, thank God—he’s so good!
His love never runs out.
All of you set free by God, tell the world!
How has God been good to you in the past or lately? Share your gratitude in the comments. Your remembering might encourage someone else to trust God again.
