Remember to Remember

I think a lot of us are dealing with… stuff.

Some new, some never ending.

Some merely pesky, others serious hard knocks.

Not trying to accentuate the negative, just facing facts. Facing life.

God lets us know in His Love Letter the trick to getting through these times.

He tells us to remember.

Psalm 78 shows us how.

It starts by reminding us to remember, and not only for ourselves but also our children (v.6 says – even the children not yet born- that’s very special to me).

Then it gives us a history lesson.

Basically, the author of this song takes each verse to describe something amazing God did for the Israelites, His special possession, then tells us how each time the Israelites responded with ingratitude.

After God delivered them from Egypt and parted the Red Sea for them, they grumbled about water.

When God made water pour from a rock in the dessert, they complained about the lack of food.

In spite of God giving them the food of angels (manna), and they kept on sinning.

Even as Israel spouted mere lip service to the King of Kings, God showed them mercy.

God gave them their inheritance, the Promised Land, but the Word says they kept testing and rebelling against God Most High.

No wonder God displayed His anger. It says He was so angry, He surrendered His glory into enemy hands.

That’s pretty major if you ask me.

Although the language used in this Psalm says a lot about “anger,” I don’t think of it as vengeful anger or some sort of cosmic temper tantrum. The anger here pours from a Lover’s heart that is broken, devastated at His bride’s unfaithfulness.

Picture Prince Charming pursuing, fighting and risking His life for, and rescuing the distressed damsel, taking her back to His castle, marrying her, providing for her everything she needs and more – only for the bride to mistrust His intentions, refuse His affections, beguile an outsider for false-security, and succumb to that liar, cheating on and dishonoring the One who truly loves her.

Who would blame the Prince for being angry, jealous and hurt? If He wasn’t, you’d question His love.

There’s a verse in Psalm 78 that proves to me that this is how God sees us. The end of verse 21 and all of verse 22: Yes, His anger rose against Israel, for they did not believe God or trust Him to care for them.

No matter what’s happening around us, great or small, God cares for us. And all He asks is we trust that. Focusing on what He has done for us rather than what He hasn't (yet) will help.

When we do, we find joy.

What has He done for you?

I pray you feel and trust His love today!

(photos by photobucket.com)