Remember, O God: The Next Door of Opportunity
You might scratch a note, set an alarm, or solicit another to help you remember. And if you want someone else to remember, you likely remind them—gently, firmly, or repeatedly—as often as necessary!
God’s people are no strangers to reminders either. The Bible is full of them, from God to His people and from the people of God back to Him.
God doesn’t need reminding. He knows everything and never needs a refresher. Human beings, on the other hand, tend to be forgetful and require frequent prompting. God reminds us, and then we are reminded again when we ask Him to remember.
I didn’t realize there were so many prayers of remembrance throughout the Bible.
“Remember me, O my God, for good.” – Nehemiah 13:31
“Please, O Lord, remember how I have walked before You in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” – Isaiah 38:3
“Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” – Luke 23:42
Faithful saints ask God to remember their condition, their enemies, and their relationship with Him.
“Remember me, O Lord, when You show favor to Your people; help me when You save them, that I may look upon the prosperity of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance.” – Psalm 106:4-5
“Remember how short my time is! For what vanity You have created all the children of man! … Remember, O Lord, how Your servants are mocked, and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations, with which Your enemies mock, O Lord, with which they mock the footsteps of Your anointed.” – Psalm 89:47, 50-51
“Do not spurn us, for Your name’s sake; do not dishonor Your glorious throne; remember and do not break Your covenant with us.” – Jeremiah 14:21
Penitent sinners ask God to wipe away all memory of their sin, stain of their iniquity, and reproach of their transgression before Him.
“Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of Your goodness, O Lord!” – Psalm 25:7
“Do not remember against us our former iniquities; let Your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.” – Psalm 79:8
“Be not so terribly angry, O Lord, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all Your people.” – Isaiah 64:9
With humble faith and confident assurance, God’s children come to Him for every need.
“Remember Your mercy, O Lord” (Psalm 25:6)
“Remember Your Word” (Psalm 119:49)
“Remember Your congregation” (Psalm 74:2)
“Remember our disgrace!” (Lamentations 5:1)
“Remember Your cause” (Psalm 74:22)
And with no reservation, He does.
Abby
You wake up to another day of requirements and responsibilities. Neighborhood chatter mingles tidbits of victory, mystery, and tragedy. Top headlines catch your attention as you scroll social media. Chaos lurks at every corner. Tension rises at global, national, and personal levels.
That may sound like a dramatic introduction to a science fiction film I’d be too scared to watch. But, in fact, it describes the world I see around me when I open my eyes each morning.
Sin completely corrupted the created order, plain and simple. God made a way of redemption for those who come to Him, also plain and simple. What’s left is the life a believer lives between earth and heaven. Perhaps not as plain and simple.
But the one who trusts in God is not left without instruction. God wisely and graciously composed His Word as a gift, cherished by those who love His Righteousness.
Time and again I am drawn back to the fountain of life, whose words are sweeter than honey and promises hold true.
“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light.” – Psalm 36:9
“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” – Psalm 119:103
“You know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.” – Joshua 23:14
When I don’t know what to do, where to turn, or how to think, Scripture is sufficient for every need. God says to wait patiently, pray earnestly, trust wholeheartedly, and live honestly. Press on, do good, declare boldly.
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.” – Philippians 3:12
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:10
“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation … Since we have such a hope, we are very bold” – Mark 16:15, 2 Corinthians 3:12
His Kingdom is coming, undeterred. He will reign forever, justly.
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.” – Hebrews 1:8
“Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.” – Isaiah 9:7
My soul longs for that day, but until then, “let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Abby
On your way somewhere, you may decide to stop momentarily for a bite to eat, a place to use the restroom, or an interesting detour. You don’t intend to stay long, since you’re merely passing through, but you make the most of your time there.
I’ve done so a time or two, to stretch my legs or eat a snack. Life’s journey isn’t much different, and it encourages me to consider it that way.
Birth is the beginning, but death is not the end. God created human beings with eternity in their hearts, to live forever with Him. But sin sliced a chasm. By way of salvation through Jesus Christ, those who trust in God are ushered into everlasting life. Those who reject His invitation are banished to eternal punishment.
The hours, days, and years of this life are merely a stop on the way. But what is done and how time is spent matters greatly. Do I live toward righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit? Or do I serve my flesh and cater to the forces of malice that pull me away from God?
Eternity is at stake, but praise God for grace! He is eager to save those who call upon Him.
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved … For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame” … For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” – Romans 10:9, 11, & 13
He promises that the suffering of this life is only temporary, and the sting of death no longer devours.
“When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
Whether persecution, pain, or problems, this temporal passage will conclude and God’s eternal glory will reign, unveiled.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” – Romans 8:18
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 5:10-11
This broken world is where I find myself now, but God made a way so it is not where I stay.
Abby
A rainy atmosphere can set the mood for the day. Some folks find an overcast sky soothing or refreshing. Others want to roll over and fall back asleep or curl up with a blanket on the couch.
My personal sentiment tends to reflect the dreariness of the weather. But rain is absolutely necessary. A morning drizzle, afternoon storm, or evening shower are welcome in times of dryness, dehydration, and drought.
Prevailing sunshine is not sustainable; clouds and precipitation contribute to the earth’s health and operation. And so it is in life. Prolonged seasons of goodness make a person forget hardship; turbulent times help God’s people remember His presence and appreciate His provision.
I believe rain comes as a gentle (sometimes harsh) reminder of that.
In early days, God promised blessing for obedience and warned of cursing for disobedience. “The Lord will open to you His good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands … The heavens over your head shall be bronze, and the earth under you shall be iron. The Lord will make the rain of your land powder. From heaven dust shall come down on you until you are destroyed” (Deuteronomy 28:12, 23-24).
Rain is a gift from God and proof of His presence, like manna from above.
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.” – Exodus 15:4
“Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given the early rain for your vindication; He has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before.” – Joel 2:23
“He did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” – Acts 14:17
He reveals His Kingdom and expresses His character in terms of spiritual rain.
“Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the Lord have created it.” – Isaiah 45:8
“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that He may come and rain righteousness upon you.” – Hosea 10:12
“Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and He will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field.” – Zechariah 10:1
After all, only He can.
“Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are You not He, O Lord our God? We set our hope on You, for You do all these things.” – Jeremiah 14:22
Abby
You might cultivate a garden, landscaping, or a houseplant or two. Plants of all types surround human life, even in developed cities and desert wastelands. I am dazzled at God’s beautiful design for every kind of life.
When God created heaven and earth, He chose a garden setting to place His masterpiece: the first man and woman, hand-crafted from dust and filled with the breath of God. He caused the earth to sprout plants yielding seed and trees bearing fruit according to their varieties. He looked upon it, declared it good, and entrusted it to the care and enjoyment of man.
It was paradise.
“A mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground … And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food … A river flowed to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers … The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” – From Genesis 2
Shortly after, sin plummeted creation into decay and cursed nature. Still, plants grew, flowers bloomed, and people enjoyed God’s beauty.
He gave them vineyards, fields, and pastures bursting with life. God withheld rain when His people forgot His provision and sent rain when they remembered.
God also sent His Son to live on earth, during which time Jesus frequented a garden to pray, sing hymns, and be with His followers and His Father.
He was crucified to bear the weight of sin and buried in a tomb nestled in a garden. Risen and ascended, He gave one final gift to His saints: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His servants the things that must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1), unveiling a future garden.
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” – 22:1-2
Meanwhile, God continues cultivating souls.
“Hear then the parable of the sower: A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed … some seeds fell on good soil and produced grain … As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit.” – From Matthew 13
“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” – James 1:21
“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” – 1 Corinthians 3:7
The merciful, faithful, masterful Gardener carries His people from garden to garden.
Abby
No matter what kind of day has passed, the same sequence of events occurs each evening. Night falls with the sunset and dissipates with the sunrise.
What a gift God has given. Not only does He paint the sky in streaks of vibrant color, presenting the world with a canvas never twice the same, striking the heart and catching the eye with the dazzling radiance of His glorious hand. But He also graciously renews mind, body, and soul with a daily reset … a chance to wake up to His new mercy yet again.
I have always been fond of the sunshine, drawn to the morning time. It is hopeful, peaceful, and beautiful to me.
Scripture speaks often of the sun … and the Son. God is the light of life; the sun is a placeholder in the sky to sustain life at His command.
Psalm 19 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge … He has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.”
“Yours is the day, Yours also the night; You have established the heavenly lights and the sun.” – 74:16
“He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting.” – 104:19
“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light.” – 36:9
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12
The sun is a standard, symbol, and sign.
“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” – Psalm 113:3
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” – 84:11
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” – Genesis 1:14-15
Nothing is hidden from God … Yet He looks warmly upon His children of light.
“For His anger is but for a moment, and His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Abby
A handwritten note to make you smile, a cup of coffee to perk you up, a warm greeting to bring you joy … it’s the little things sometimes. It doesn’t take much to lighten the mood, clear the mind, or rejoice the heart. In a world plenty full of sadness and brokenness, moments of pureness and gladness—small as they might be—are a breath of fresh air.
In an average day of mine, that could include peanut butter, some sunshine, or a text message. I often experience God’s grace in tangible, consumable forms. Yes, He created and saved the world. Yes, He upholds the universe by the word of His power. And yes, He fills my lungs with air.
God is extensively magnificent and monumental, lofty beyond description and loving beyond compare. His throne is established in heaven; His presence fills the earth.
“The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens! Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?” – Psalm 113:4-6
Yet He chooses to draw near, dwell among men, and bring meaning to the mundane, minuscule, minute components of life.
“For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, ‘I will make My dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’” – 2 Corinthians 6:16
I stand amazed that God is with us. And that commonplace tasks and ordinary locations become holy sanctuaries of His company and craftsmanship. Clouds are the dust of His feet, and somehow I can worship Him while dusting the furniture. Sunbeams are the radiance of His glory, and I find myself refreshed by an afternoon in the garden. Ocean depths are cradled in His hand, and my doing the dishes can please Him.
God is not far. He is not distant, deafened, or disinclined. He is close by, all around, and within … listening closely, forgiving freely, and loving immensely.
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool; what is the house that you would build for Me, and what is the place of My rest? All these things My hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word.’” – Isaiah 66:1
Indeed, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them” (Psalm 145:18-19).
God works on a grand scale. He also works on a microscopic one. His goodness descends all the way down to my holey socks and weekend plans, while He controls the weather and commands the angels.
Even the little things are His.
Abby
The floor is hard, and the walls are too. Most days are dark and quiet, occasionally interrupted by a lone ray of sunshine or distant voice. Shackles circle the ankles and wrists, permitting a mere measure of freedom within a cramped prison cell. The occupant’s only company, amidst day after day of oppressive silence, consists of straying dust particles and scattered thoughts.
Few might live this reality literally, but bondage can also exist emotionally or spiritually. It could be a prison of pride or dungeon of doubt. Grief, gluttony, or jealously can ruthlessly capture and mercilessly detain a soul.
Anyone can get stuck. The trap may be different, but the escape is the same.
For the hopeless heart, remorseful soul, broken spirit, and weary drifter … light dawns. The Lord hears His people cry and sends help from on high.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” – Isaiah 9:2
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” – Luke 4:18-19
Jesus is the bright morning star, hope of the nations, light of the world. He liberates, leads, and loves.
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12
“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in His holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; He leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.” – Psalm 68:5-6
“How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light.” – 36:7-9
In wisdom, power, and love, God rescued the lost and reconciled the sinner.
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:13-14
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:34-36
Satan frantically schemes against God’s saved … but his frenzy is futile because the victory is already secure, the war won, the future aligned. We serve the only God who breaks chains and empties prisons.
Abby
Whether celebrating someone on their birthday, honoring them for a holiday, or simply expressing what they mean to you, you may choose to highlight certain qualities you appreciate. A mother’s gentleness, leader’s integrity, or friend’s kindness might come to mind. People speak well of those they admire, pointing out praiseworthy features in their character.
Everybody is made in the image of God. But nobody is perfect, as God is. His character is most commendable, His name most glorified, His being most beautiful. And sometimes I just like to think about that.
God is patient.
He shows wisdom in waiting, purpose in planning, and grace in everything. God does not give up, rush, or worry. He is enduring, longsuffering, and forbearing with sinful people who continually resist Him.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
God is sovereign.
He maintains continuous control over all, never wavering or wondering. The Almighty First and Last contains all knowledge, power, and ability to create, sustain, and coordinate life. He is supreme, prevailing, and preeminent from the beginning to the end.
“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him.” – Colossians 1:16
God is merciful.
He displays kindness and compassion toward those who are broken before Him. His ruthless, righteous punishment of sin fell upon His only Son, so that His tender, tremendous grace could wash over repentant sinners instead. He is forgiving, benevolent, and humble.
“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” – Psalm 145:8
God is surprising.
He is always doing a new thing. The King is exacting and demanding, yet understanding and willing. His promises stand when all foundations shatter, and His mercies are new when the morning dawns.
“But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him’—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
God is Love.
Not just loving or lovely, God is love itself. He displayed the greatest love, embodied the deepest love, and promised unending love for His children. All other loves shrink in the shadow of His.
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” – John 15:13-14
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” – 1 John 3:1
“God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” – 4:16
And that hardly scratches the surface.
Abby
You might take a day trip to the mall, weekend away at the cottage, or week-long cruise. Perhaps you’ve trekked longer and further for a work project, study abroad, or mission trip. Whatever the endeavor, you likely had an aspiration or destination in mind.
Life is often compared to a journey, for obvious reasons. It begins and ends, with countless thrills and perils in between. Detours, delays, and disasters are common mishaps. Planning, navigating, and improvising are constant challenges.
In my pondering the other day, I concluded there are two types of travelers: voyagers and vagabonds. Voyagers set out on a long-term expedition with clear directions, plentiful supplies, and high hopes. Vagabonds, on the other hand, head out with no intention, follow the ever-shifting wind of opportunity, and make do with where they end up for the time being.
In a way, I see myself as both. I am certain about some things, unclear about others. I am equipped in some ways, unprepared in others. I know exactly where I’m going, yet have no idea where it will take me to get there.
Earth is my temporary home; Heaven is my eternal home. I’ve never been there, but one day I will live there forever. For now, I am a pilgrim and pioneer, among the throng of God’s redeemed.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” – Hebrews 12:1
This verse immediately follows a narrative of historic and heroic saints. They stumbled and side-tracked, but never lost sight of their glorious end.
“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.” – 11:13-16
Jesus promised, “In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going … I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:2-4, 6).
I may look or feel lost at times, but my arrival is certain because I know the Way.
Abby