Faith & Reflection: Voices from the Black Church and Beyond
Often when asked about life, a person will lean toward one of two answers—good or bad. The Lord knows our tendencies, and through the psalmists and man of wisdom, he calls us to remember him, in good and in bad. How easy is it for us to forget that God cares when times are hard or we feel attacked by our enemies? We must also remember him for the good in our lives, as we often become complacent in times of peace and prosperity.
When we’re hurting, remember the goodness of God.
Our beloved psalmists are such good guides when our emotions are all over the place in times of crisis and pain. They also remind us that the world is watching us in our struggles, wondering how the God we claim to serve will respond or if he really exists. The underlying theme is for us to put our hope in God, no matter the circumstances of our lives.
As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while all day long people say to me, “Where is your God?” I remember this as I pour out my heart: how I walked with many, leading the festive procession to the house of God, with joyful and thankful shouts. Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:1-5 CSB, emphasis added)
In those days of tears, remember.
You have kept me from closing my eyes; I am troubled and cannot speak. I consider days of old, years long past. At night I remember my music; I meditate in my heart, and my spirit ponders. “Will the Lord reject forever and never again show favor? Has his faithful love ceased forever? Is his promise at an end for all generations? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Selah
So I say, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions. God, your way is holy. What god is great like God? (Psalm 77:4-13, emphasis added)
Are there hymns or songs of praise that come to your mind in troubling times? They can help us remember God in our pain. We can repeat or write down his good works in our lives as well. What blessings has he given you this past year? Remember.
When we are attacked for our faith in God or hurt by others, we know God sees and remembers. He allows us to let go and forgive, as we remember that he brings justice in his time and way. It’s not for us to seek vengeance. It’s for God to handle as he wills.
Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the Lord, and do not let his mother’s sin be blotted out. Let their sins always remain before the Lord, and let him remove all memory of them from the earth. For he did not think to show kindness, but pursued the suffering, needy, and brokenhearted in order to put them to death. (Psalm 109:14-16)
We may be pulled down and weakened by such attacks, but they are also times to remember God and all he has done.
My spirit is weak within me; my heart is overcome with dismay. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all you have done; I reflect on the work of your hands. I spread out my hands to you; I am like parched land before you. Selah (Psalm 143:4-6, emphasis added)
Remember the works of God all your days, good and bad.
Knowing that the Lord is on his throne as judge of all the earth and remembering he will bring to fruition all his good plans for us is reason to rest in who he is and remember all he has and will do. He is the God who keeps his promises.
Boast in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wondrous works he has done, his wonders, and the judgments he has pronounced, you offspring of Abraham his servant, Jacob’s descendants—his chosen ones. (Psalm 105:3-6)
Are you boasting in the Lord? Do you tell others of all the great things he has done in your life? Remember.
Don’t let your life slip away without remembering the goodness of the Lord. Has your life been long and full of years? Rejoice in the years the Lord has given you. Are you still young and feel like all of life is before you? Remember the Lord in these years as well. He alone knows the numbers of our days.
Light is sweet, and it is pleasing for the eyes to see the sun. Indeed, if someone lives many years, let him rejoice in them all, and let him remember the days of darkness, since they will be many. All that comes is futile. Rejoice, young person, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. And walk in the ways of your heart and in the desire of your eyes; but know that for all of these things God will bring you to judgment. Remove sorrow from your heart, and put away pain from your flesh, because youth and the prime of life are fleeting. (Ecclesiastes 11:7-10)
Guard your heart and your steps; remember God will judge. Our lives are bound to have trials and heartbreak, but in all things, good and bad, we are to remember the goodness of our God and live, pressing on in the hope of Christ and eternity with him.
Grace and Peace
If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start from the Beginning.
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