How can recalling God's past faithfulness help in current spiritual struggles?

◄ Recall God's past to aid current struggles? ►

Setting the Scene in Psalm 42:6

“O my God, my soul despairs within me. Therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon—even from Mount Mizar.”

• The writer is overwhelmed, far from the temple, and emotionally sinking.

• His turning point is a deliberate choice: “Therefore I remember You.”

Why Memory Matters in a Spiritual Low

• Remembering moves focus from shifting feelings to God’s unchanging acts.

• Past mercies become evidence that He is still present, even when unseen.

• Memory fuels hope; hope steadies the heart (Psalm 42:5; Romans 15:4).

Scripture’s Pattern of Recalling God’s Works

• Psalm 77:11-12 — “I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.”

• Deuteronomy 7:17-19 — Israel told to defeat present fear by reviewing the Exodus.

• Lamentations 3:21-23 — Jeremiah’s pivot from despair to hope rests on recalling covenant love.

• 1 Samuel 17:37 — David trusts God with Goliath because God saved him from lion and bear.

• Hebrews 13:8 — “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

What Happens When We Recall God’s Faithfulness

• Anxiety gives way to assurance — we’ve seen Him act before, He will act again.

• Perspective shifts — present trials appear temporary against an eternal backdrop (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

• Worship rises — gratitude replaces grumbling (Psalm 103:2).

• Obedience gains courage — past victories embolden present steps of faith (Joshua 4:21-24).

Practical Ways to Keep God’s Track Record Fresh

1. Journal answered prayers and milestones; reread during dry seasons.

2. Memorize key “remember” texts (e.g., Psalm 77:11; Isaiah 46:9).

3. Share testimonies in fellowship; collective memory multiplies faith (Malachi 3:16).

4. Mark your Bible margins with dates of fulfilled promises.

5. Celebrate communion thoughtfully—God’s ultimate faithfulness at the cross (1 Corinthians 11:24-26).

6. Sing hymns and songs that recount God’s deeds (Psalm 40:3).

Living Today on Yesterday’s Proof

• The God who parted the Jordan (Joshua 3) still parts obstacles.

• The God who sustained Elijah with ravens (1 Kings 17) still supplies daily bread.

• The God who raised Jesus bodily (Luke 24) still brings life out of deathlike circumstances.

Therefore, when the soul sinks, let memory preach: God has been faithful; He will be faithful.