Do You Remember?

       Memories are good.  Mine are good when I have them and at my age that isn't very reliable any more.   It doesn't mean that you always live in the past, but to have memories is something that is good and often quite profitable in your life.  The Israelites seemed to have a difficult time remembering what God had done for them in the past.  As we look back to the nation of Israel during their time in Egypt, we realize that they did not have any recollection of God for over 400 years.  Then, through the leadership of Moses and Aaron, they were reintroduced to God as they were getting ready to leave Egypt.  From then on, God worked some very impressive works with the Israelites.  In the years to follow, the Israelites, however, begin to forget what God had done for them even though it had been recorded in God's Word.  Psalm 78:5-7 says, "For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:  That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:" 
       God did establish that testimony through the writings of the Old Testament including the Psalms.  They were told to remember what God had done for them, especially during those years that the Israelites wandered around in the wilderness.  As bleak as things were, God provided everything that they needed.  Verse 7 gives us the reason for this remembering:  "That they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments."  That's the "bottom line" so to speak.  It tells us the reason.  When the Israelites needed to have hope in their lives, all they had to do was remember what God had done for them in the past.  Since God is faithful and does not change and who is also all powerful, He works in the same way today.  He also provides all of our needs.  You can probably look back in your life and see where God worked in the past.  You can also see where God never failed you but always met your needs.  There may have been times when He met your needs differently than you had figured, but He did meet your needs.  So, the needs that you have today and those that you will have tomorrow will also be met.  If you are having a low day, then take a moment and reflect on how God has worked in your life in the past, or if you want, take a look at how He worked with Israel in the past.  God is always faithful.  Praise Him for His daily provision.