To Remember for Tomorrow

Since the Civil War, Americans have observed Memorial Day to honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country and the freedoms that we have today. This weekend, I stood among the many who did the same, but my reflections did not stop there. I started to reflect on how often through the scriptures times or acts of remembrance occur. Remembrance is not a passive act, but one that gives us perspective, strengthens our faith, and promotes thanksgiving and worship to God. 

Remembering gives us perspective 

Sometimes, we need to remember when we don’t understand something in the  present. This is often used when explaining new concepts to children. This conversation may seem familiar, “Do you remember when….x-y-z?” And the the child does. We can then explain, that the situation that they are aksing about now is for the same reason or we can better apply the concept because they have experience in that area. We are able to give them perspective. Similarly, we can look at our lives and the Word of God to give us divine perspective into our situations and seasons. 

Remembering strengthens our faith

“I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11

Remembering what the Lord has done in our lives and in the past strengthens our faith to believe for tomorrow. A beautiful promise in the Word is that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever Because of this, we know that the same God who parted the sea to deliver the Israelites, who opened the womb of the barren, who healed the sick, who calmed the storm is the same today, and knowing that strengthens our faith to believe God for the season we are living now, 

“Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,” 1 Chronicles 16:12

Remembering promotes thankfulness and worship to God

“This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.

The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease,

For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-24

I love the way that Lamentations 3:21-24 encompasses the beauty of remembrance. It comes from a place of affliction, but then, perspective - remembering gives hope. They remember the faithfulness of God, it strengthens their faith, and leads to thankfulness and worship. 

Where do you find yourself this season? Do you need to pause and remember today? What promise can you remember to bring you hope for tomorrow? You can trust in God’s goodness.