Trust Through Remembrance
| One practice that I have not honed so well, and which my wife honed well, is journaling. I am just not quite as consistent. But then there is the other part of the matter. If I am bad at journaling, I am worse at going back to them. One good thing about journals is that they help us remember, especially if we can return to them. The Psalmist in #77 alludes to something of a spiritual journal. In the first part of the Psalm leading up to verse 9, he bemoans his condition. His predicament appeared severe, and he could see no way out. Then as from verse 10 he turns a corner as he recalled God’s past goodness. Remembering specific occasions in which he (and Israel) experienced God’s goodness in the past enabled him to trust God in the present. Reflecting on God’s past dealings has a way of redirecting our focus from fear of the worst to trust in God’s character. It is risky to develop a perception of God that is based upon a short window of time. We experience God better and deeper over the long haul. If, like the Psalmist’s, your heart is afraid and uncertain at this time; I encourage you to pray from Psalm 77 tonight. Tell Him honestly of all that weighs on your mind. As you come to verse 10, pull out the journal of His grace and salvation in the past, both in your life and in redemption history, and call your soul to trust Him based on His character. 8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” 10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. 11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:8—12) |
Donald Nwankwo Rector, The Light of Christ Church |