Remembering

 October 20, 2022

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord! 

Call upon His name; 

Make known His deeds among the peoples! 

Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; 

Talk of all His wondrous works! 

Glory in His holy name; 

Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! 

Seek the Lord and His strength; 

Seek His face evermore! 

Remember His marvelous works which He has done, 

His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,”

—Psalm 105:1-5 

This psalm begins with a series of commands: “Give thanks. Call on God’s Name. Make known his works. Sing to him. Talk of him. Glory in his Name. Seek His face. Remember.”

Gratitude starts the ball rolling. “His Name is mentioned twice because there is power in that Name, in specifying and remembering who God is.

Before commanding us to remember, we are called to seek God’s face, for a very simple reason. We are too quick to remember the wrong things. We remember our sins and failures, our fears and sorrows. The only way to avoid those kinds of memories from swamping our spiritual boat is to seek God first. It’s the only way to orient ourselves to real life.

The interesting thing about this psalm is that the psalmist doesn’t mention anything personal in his recollections. It is all historical events that happened long before his time. So instead of current events shaping his life, it was the mighty acts of God which were the holy stream into which his current life was immersed, giving it meaning and purpose. 

The same is true for us, so we pray, “Lord, give us eyes to see the present mess in the light of your saving work in the death, resurrection, ascension, session, and return of Jesus Christ. Help us step into the current of your mighty acts of salvation in the power of your Holy Spirit, and for the glory of your name.