I won’t say it’s because I’m older, but my memory isn’t nearly as good as it was in my earlier years. However, I must say that my memory is much better than it was a few years back. For that, I am truly grateful.

Sometimes we forget the important things in this life. A birthday. An appointment. Or a person’s name. And sometimes we forget the mundane things, like taking out the trash or thawing something for dinner.

As I’ve grown closer to Jesus in my relationship with Him, I’ve learned to be more dependent upon the Holy Spirit to help me remember the important things. But especially I’ve learned to be more in tune with God’s Spirit when it comes to recalling the goodness of God. His Spirit helps me when I need to remember Scripture that I’ve held close to my heart. And the Holy Spirit brings to mind the things that are most important.

When we look through Scripture, we’ve been called to remember certain things. Let’s see what you remember.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” (Exodus 20:8 – NIV) Yes, I understand as Christians we don’t keep the Sabbath, but if we think about Jesus’ teaching and heart issues, wouldn’t everyday need to be considered holy? I believe so. How do you remember to keep your days holy?

Nehemiah reminded the Israelites that God was with them during the rebuilding of the wall. When they faced opposition he said, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for you brothers, your sons and your daughters, you wives and your homes.” (Nehemiah 4:14 – NIV) What do you remember about God’s great and awesomeness?

When you’re wide awake in the middle of the night, what do you think about? Here’s a thought. “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” (Psalm 63:6 – NIV) Or “I remembered my songs in the night.” (Psalm 77:6 – NIV) Singing or recalling God’s goodness is a great way to get through a long night.

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:11-12 – NIV) Can you remember any of God’s deeds and miracles (in Scripture or in your own life)? What work might you consider today?

Of course, we are to remember God’s commands and precepts throughout the day. “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” (Psalm 102:17-18 – NIV)

Isaiah had a way with words. We see beautiful prophecies of our blessed Messiah. We find hope in his words as well. But then throws in a verse like this. “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels.” (Isaiah 46:8 – NIV) Isaiah urges us to remember all that God has done for us, but sometimes we forget and return to our rebellious ways. Sometimes we simply need to see it for what it is. Let God’s Word penetrate your heart and do what it says. That’s transformation. Remember it.

There are other cases in Scripture of things we are to remember. Like when observing the Lord’s Supper we are to remember Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). We should remember those in prison (Hebrews 13:3). And we are to remember our leaders (Hebrews 13:7).

While this list isn’t exhaustive, it is a good start of the things God wants us to remember. So what are you going to remember today? I pray that God’s Spirit will bring to mind what you need to remember today.

But I would also urge you to work on this remembrance thing as an exercise for yourself. Let’s remember because we want to remember. Remember what God has done for you. Remember where you used to be and how far you’ve come. Remember that God’s love and grace has reached down to you. Thank God and praise Him for all the blessings He’s lavished upon you. Remember. Remember.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna