How can we recount God's past deeds to strengthen our faith today? Psalm 44:1 – Hearing the Ancients Speak “We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us the work You did in their days, in the days of old.” The psalmist reminds us that faith is not invented in a vacuum; it is fed by the stories faithful forebears passed down. What they witnessed becomes fuel for our confidence today. Why Remembering God’s Deeds Strengthens Faith - Reassures us of God’s unchanging character (Psalm 102:27; Hebrews 13:8). - Builds expectancy that He will act again (Psalm 77:11-14). - Drives out fear by displaying His proven power (Isaiah 41:10). - Sparks worship and gratitude (Psalm 103:2). - Anchors doctrine in real history, not myth (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Biblical Calls to Purposeful Remembrance - Memorial stones at the Jordan: “So these stones shall be a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.” (Joshua 4:6-7) - Passover meal: a yearly replay of redemption (Exodus 12:25-27). - Samuel’s Ebenezer stone: “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” (1 Samuel 7:12) - Jesus’ command, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19) Practical Ways to Recount God’s Works Today - Read narrative portions of Scripture aloud, noting God’s interventions. - Keep a journal of answered prayers and providences; revisit it when doubts rise. - Share testimonies in family devotions or small-group gatherings. - Sing hymns and modern songs that tell salvation history (e.g., “Come, Thou Fount,” “In Christ Alone”). - Celebrate the Lord’s Supper thoughtfully, tracing the story from Exodus to Calvary. - Mark anniversaries of God’s faithfulness—personal “Ebenezers.” - Tell children bedtime stories of biblical heroes and your own life experiences with God (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Additional Scriptural Echoes - “Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other.” (Isaiah 46:9) - “This I recall to my mind; therefore I have hope… great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:21-23) - “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Passing the Story Forward - Make family story-sharing a rhythm, not a rarity. - Encourage children to keep their own prayer journals. - Invite older believers to recount their journeys during church gatherings. - Use holidays to rehearse covenant milestones—Creation, Incarnation, Resurrection, Pentecost. Living in Continual Remembrance - Let yesterday’s deliverances shape today’s outlook. - Speak God’s past works until they become the instinctive lens through which you view every new challenge. - The God who split seas and raised the dead still reigns; recounting His deeds keeps that truth vivid and alive. |
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