From Panic to Praise: A 5-Day Devotional From the PsalmsSample

The Worship of Remembrance

In the early 1980’s, my husband, Steve, and I served as missionaries in the country of Sudan. My precious mother-in-law saved all the letters that we wrote home while we were there. Recently, Steve and I were given the envelope with all those letters. As we read through them together, our hearts were stirred with remembering the faithfulness and goodness of God. Serving in a war-torn country wasn’t easy. God stretched us. But, looking back, He was always faithful! 

The psalmist wrote, “I will remember the deeds of the LORD.” The power of remembering is huge in our worship walks. As we look back, God reminds us of all the ways He’s been faithful in the past and our hearts are stirred to trust Him with our future. 

Friend, when life feels difficult and you feel worried or fearful about the future, look back. Remember how the Lord has provided for you in the past. Remember all the ways He poured out His loving kindness towards you. Remember when He healed your sicknesses or forgave your sins. Make it your choice to practice the worship of remembrance. Remind yourself, He was faithful in the past, you can trust Him with tomorrow.

Selah – Pause and Reflect: How has God been faithful in your personal history? Spend a few moments and list all the ways you can remember of how God has been faithful to you in the past. Be specific. List actual events. Keep the list in your Bible and return to it often to practice the worship of remembrance.

Pray

Lord, I praise You that You have always been faithful in my life. As I focus on remembering, I praise You specifically for the times when You’ve healed me or my loved ones from illness. I praise You for the times when You financially provided for me. I praise You for the times when You gave me direction and wisdom. Lord, as I look towards the future, I exalt You that You are trustworthy and good. 

 This devotional is adapted from Psalms for the Anxious Heart by Becky Harling.