How can we remember God's promises during times of adversity, as in Psalm 89:50? Setting the Scene Psalm 89:50 reads, “Remember, Lord, the reproach of Your servants, which I bear in my heart from all the many peoples.” Ethan the Ezrahite groans under national disgrace, yet he turns God-ward with one plea: “Remember.” The psalmist banks on the certainty that God never forgets His covenant, even when human circumstances scream the opposite. When Adversity Clouds Our View • Adversity feels like a thick fog; visibility is low, and every landmark of God’s goodness seems hidden. • The psalmist’s cry shows that honest lament is compatible with unwavering trust—he brings reproach to God, not away from Him. • Scripture never minimizes pain, yet it consistently magnifies God’s faithfulness (Lamentations 3:21-23). Anchoring Our Minds in the Character of God • God’s promises stand because His character is unchanging (Malachi 3:6). • He binds Himself by oath so that “we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:17-18). • “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Practical Ways to Remember His Promises 1. Memorize key texts – Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart…” – Joshua 1:8: meditate “day and night.” 2. Write and post verses in visible places – Mirrors, phone lock screens, dashboards. 3. Sing truth-filled hymns and worship songs – Music weds memory and affection. 4. Testify regularly – Share past deliverances; hearing them strengthens present faith (Psalm 107:2). 5. Journal milestones – Record fulfilled promises; reread when discouragement rises. 6. Link promises to prayer – Pray Scripture back to God: “Lord, You said…” (Isaiah 62:6-7). Promises to Hold On To • Presence: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) • Purpose: “We know that God works all things together for good…” (Romans 8:28) • Preservation: “No one can snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:28) • Provision: “My God will supply all your needs…” (Philippians 4:19) • Peace: “You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is stayed on You.” (Isaiah 26:3) Witnesses Who Remind Us • Noah: God remembered and dried the floodwaters (Genesis 8:1). • Abraham: God “swore by Himself” and fulfilled Isaac’s birth (Genesis 22:16-18). • Israel: “Not one word of all the good promises…failed” (Joshua 21:45). • Paul: “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me” in prison (2 Timothy 4:17). Living Psalm 89:50 Today • Bring every reproach and setback to the throne of grace. • Speak “Remember, Lord”—not to jog God’s memory but to settle your own. • Review His track record; today’s adversity becomes tomorrow’s testimony. |
    |