David, known as the “sweet psalmist of Israel,” wrote many songs throughout his lifetime. Whether he was offering words of lament, gratitude, worship or wisdom, David freely expressed the depth of his heart. One of my favorite songs lies tucked in the book of I Chronicles, chapter 16. Here, David writes a song of thanks after the ark has been brought into Jerusalem and placed in the tent. His heart is fixed on the Lord as He powerfully worships him for who He is and what He has done throughout the ages. This week we will spend time examining five verses of his song so that we can get a deeper sense of what it looks like to wholeheartedly honor the Lord.
“Creating a Rhythm to Remember what God Has Done.”
Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered.
I Chronicles 16:12
We have taken note of how David invites fellow worshippers of God to thank Him, to sing to Him, to celebrate Him, and to look for Him. Each of these overlap with one another and enable us to engage in the final portion of his song. In verse 12 David encourages us to remember the wondrous things God has done, His miracles as well as the judgments or decisions He made. This act of remembering is an ancient tradition that was part of their heritage. After sparing His chosen people from imminent destruction, God instructed them to remember His goodness and faithfulness through annual celebrations and feasts (Exodus 12:14-20). To this day, the Jews remember their deliverance from Haman during Purim and their deliverance from slavery during Passover and the rededication of the temple during Chanukah. These traditions were all developed because of God’s command to remember.
As Christians, we can easily forget God’s goodness. Our unwillingness to take time and remember what He has done, both throughout history as well as within the confines of our own story, prevents us from really seeing and marveling in His wondrous power. Even though we may only be in the habit of corporately celebrating who He is at Christmas and Easter, it’s never too late to find a way to regularly remember what God is doing in our own lives. Together we can do this as we gather in our Bible studies, prayer groups, Sunday School classes or even during our regular walks with others. Individually, we can intentionally record His works, His miracles and His decisions in a special journal. I have always wanted to string a pearl, bead or stone on a special string each time I see God clearly working in my life. My unique strand would constantly remind me of His constant activity in my life and in the lives of those around me.
What will you do to remember what God has done yesterday and today? Take some time to prayerfully consider how you will be more intentional in honoring Him for His great deeds.
Jackie