Today is Memorial Day. It is a wonderful day to celebrate, but I think there is enough people out there encouraging and talking on that that I don’t feel my two cents would add any more than what is already being said. I want to talk about a different kind of remembrance instead.
I will remember the works of the LORD. Yes, I will remember the amazing things you did long ago! I will think about all you have done; I will reflect upon your deeds!
Psalm 77:11-12
Here if you have the time you should pause and read the rest of Psalm 77. The Psalmist is going through some intense struggles, and his answer of how he is going to press though those difficulties is to look back and remember the faithfulness of God. Specifically, he reflects on the salvific event of the Israelites – God leading them out of Egypt and safely across the Red Sea.
Right now we are going through some difficult and frustrating times, and whatever your stance on the Covid19 situation does not really matter. Globally there is turmoil and people are struggling as a result (also, those of you believers out there that are tempted to push back against your authorities, you might want to check yourself with 1 Peter 2:13-17; 3:8-16, but lets go down that rabbit hole latter).
What is our answer as we face this culture-shifting crisis, then? It is the same as the Psalmist’s – to remember the amazing things God has done long ago! And mainly we should be reflecting on our salvific event – the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus! He has secured ultimate victory and restoration for us through that one event, He promised to always be with us, and He promised to come back. He also warned us that our time on this earth would be filled with persecution and that labor pains of the great tribulation would increase.
I don’t know about you, but I find it incredibly comforting to know that my position in God’s family is secure, that death and illness is fleeting, that in the midst of this Christ is with me, and that He knew things like this would come along – and He gave us His Spirit so that we could stand firm in the midst of the chaotic sea of circumstances around us.
No matter what you face today, God will be faithful to go through it with you.
Have a blessed day of remembrance!