Recollections

Sometimes we don’t need to hear and learn new lessons but remember those we have shoved aside or forgotten; truths we need to know better. Remembering can deepen our devotion to God and stir and ground our lives in His service if we let the Holy Spirit have His way.

“I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Thy wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11

The Bible doesn’t encourage us to rehash past failures or horrible events. But like the psalmist, waiting for God to act on his behalf, he remembers the Lord’s mighty works long ago (vs. 13–20). And like Paul, in Acts 9; 2 Corinthians 11:24–33, 12:7–10, some people recall how God, through life’s experiences, brought them from where they were to where they are currently for His purposes. Remembering who God is and all He has done brings a revitalized trust and hope in His love, goodness, abilities, mercies, and forgiveness. Like the psalmist, our testimony of Him will encourage others struggling in life.

Do you need to remember the simplicity of the Gospel’s message: Jesus, God’s Son, died for our sins and rose from the dead? God loved the world so much that He sent His Son to pay for our sins—the vilest person to the best-behaved. Must God remind you that the lost and believers have flaws, including you? Do you keep God’s commands, mindful that when you don’t, God will discipline His children? God is faithful and cleanses when you agree with Him about your sins (confess) and repent of them (1 John 1:9). Do you honor Jesus’ last supper’s ordinance, joining with fellow believers, remembering His death until He returns? Do you study God’s Word and worship with them or have excuses to stay home?

Do you need to spend time in recollection? God loves you; He holds you and will never leave you if you are His child. But if you have not yielded your life to Jesus, you will spend eternity in hell, separated from God, who loves you. What truths have you learned that you need to remember?