The human memory is one of the great wonders of the world. We stand in amazement when someone shows off their great memory, either by quoting something verbatim, or recalling minute information like some wizard from a fairy tale. Such rare feats of achievement cause bewilderment because the majority of us can’t remember where we set our keys down the night before. I can barely recall what I ate for lunch yesterday. It seems the older I get, the less and less space is available in my memory’s hard drive.
In Psalm 77 there are several references to remembering and forgetting. David, again, is wearied and complaining. He seems to think that God has forgotten how to be gracious (Ps. 77:9). It’s as if David believes that God has forgotten him. There are times when we certainly think those types of thoughts. Problems and issues erupt like volcanos and we wonder where in the world is God in all of this. Sometimes we seek the Lord for an answer and only to get a busy signal. “God can you please take my call?! Have you forgotten about me?” God hadn’t forgotten David, and neither has He forgotten us.
Instead of getting upset and giving up, David reminded himself of the Lord’s previous works. David said, “And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings” (Ps. 77:10-12).
Our memories need to be refreshed daily. If we don’t consistently remind ourselves of God’s goodness, and prior works on our behalf, then we will forget to be grateful, and fool ourselves to believe that God has forsaken us.
Think back and remember what God has done for you in your lifetime. Hasn’t He been faithful? Hasn’t He been good to you? If He was there before, then He’ll be there again. In the meantime, give Him praise!