How can we "remember" God's past faithfulness during times of spiritual drought? Setting the Scene “I remember these things as I pour out my soul: how I walked with the crowd and led them in procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a festival.” — Psalm 42:4 The psalmist is in deep distress, yet his first instinct is to look back. Memory becomes a lifeline, pulling the heart toward hope when feelings are dry. Why Memory Matters in Drought • Remembering is commanded (Deuteronomy 4:9). • It fuels renewed confidence (Lamentations 3:21-23). • It anchors praise when emotion runs thin (Psalm 77:11-12). • It prevents drift toward doubt and sin (Revelation 2:5). What to Recall from God’s Track Record 1. Personal milestones: answered prayers, healings, provisions. 2. Community victories: times of corporate worship and revival (Psalm 42:4). 3. Historical deliverances: Israel’s Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14), Jordan memorial stones (Joshua 4:1-7). 4. The ultimate act: Christ’s finished work on the cross (Romans 5:8). Practical Ways to Keep His Faithfulness Fresh • Keep a written journal of God’s interventions; reread it when low. • Mark pivotal verses and dates in your Bible margins. • Tell your testimony regularly (Psalm 107:2). • Establish physical reminders—an Ebenezer stone, a framed verse (1 Samuel 7:12). • Sing hymns and songs tied to past breakthroughs (Ephesians 5:19). • Celebrate spiritual anniversaries—salvation date, baptisms, mission trips. • Share at family meals what God has done each week (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Benefits You’ll Notice • Perspective shifts from the size of the drought to the size of God. • Gratitude replaces grumbling (Psalm 103:2). • Faith becomes contagious to those around you (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Peace settles where anxiety once ruled (Isaiah 26:3). Staying Alert to Common Pitfalls • Nostalgia without faith—looking back wistfully but not trusting for today. • Selective memory—dwelling only on hurts; choose to recall grace. • Isolation—testimonies grow when shared, not hoarded. Closing Encouragement The same God who carried you then is unchanged now (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). Feed on those memories until present thirst turns into future praise. |
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