The Power of Remembering God: Insights from Psalms

Though the book of Deuteronomy was ground zero for my journey in remembering, it’s easy to see how it is not the only place in Scripture to encourage this practice. Today, we’ll focus mostly on the treasure of the Psalms, a book rich in poetry, song, emotion, and worship. Through these songs of praise and recounting of Israel’s history, the psalmists call us to remember God.

We move from suffering to praise by remembering.

David did not hold back in sharing his heart to the Lord. Whether he was under attack, in personal anguish, or hurting as a result of sins he’d committed, he wrote it all down, and I’m grateful. The twenty-second psalm begins with such a cry of despair, but he quickly admits that God does not turn his face from those who seek him. Those who humble themselves will be satisfied and lift their hearts in praise to the Lord. Why? Because they remember.

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before you, for kingship belongs to the LORD; he rules the nations. (Psalm 22:27-28 CSB, emphasis added)

This same idea was conveyed in Psalm 78, as Asaph recounts this history of Israel and the lessons the people learned. It was a history that should be taught to their children.

He established a testimony in Jacob and set up a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children so that a future generation—children yet to be born—might know. They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep his commands. (Psalm 78:5-7, emphasis added)

When the people repented and remembered God, he would remember that they were “only flesh” and remain patient with them. As a shepherd guides his sheep, so the Lord would guide his people, knowing a remnant would remain faithful.

When he killed some of them, the rest began to seek him; they repented and searched for God. They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God, their Redeemer. (Psalm 78:34-35, emphasis added)

The invasions, famine, hardships, and ultimately exile were a result of the forgetfulness of the people. Thankfully, there would be some who kept their eyes on the LORD their God.

All this has happened to us, but we have not forgotten you or betrayed your covenant. Our hearts have not turned back; our steps have not strayed from your path. (Psalm 44:17-18)

Those who remember God will lead others to remember.

In all the writings of the Psalms, God’s people are led to remember who God is, what he has done, and what he will do. The simple act of a poem or song is a memorial to the God of the Universe. With a picture of a royal wedding, the psalmist reminds the people that God will be forever on his throne.

I will cause your name to be remembered for all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever. (Psalm 22:17, emphasis added)

David has multiple psalms to recount the great works of the Lord. Why? So the people would not forget all that he has done for them.

My soul, bless the Lord, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. My soul, bless the Lord, and do not forget all his benefits. (Psalm 103:1-2, emphasis added)

The Lord forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, satisfies, and renews us. What wonderful works we should never forget.

So, remember.

What a blessing it is to learn these truths as children. We saw it from Moses and in the Psalms. The people are encouraged to teach the things of God to their children and grandchildren. Children who are blessed by godly parents who read the Bible and talk about God in their daily conversations are more likely to remember him after they leave home and go through hard times.

Solomon, the wisest of men, knew the importance of remembering God from an early age. He wrote about it in Ecclesiastes.

So remember your Creator in the days of your youth: Before the days of adversity come, and the years approach when you will say, “I have no delight in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1, emphasis added)

When he’d tried everything and found everything to be futile, he knew what held the greatest value—fearing God and keeping his commands. He alone is on the throne. He alone can rescue and save. He alone is worthy of our praise. Remember.  

Grace and Peace

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